Issue 10 - Volume 16 - Mendip Times

Mendip Times

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VOLUME 16 ISSUE 10

FREE

Celebrating life on the Mendips and surrounding areas

MARCH 2021

IN THIS ISSUE: COVID HELPERS • SPRING GARDENING • TOAD PATROL • HOMES & INTERIORS • RACING PREVIEW Local people, local history, local places, local events and local news

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MENDIP TIMES

CONTENTS

Welcome

WITH spring, perhaps, there comes a little more optimism after months of misery caused by the pandemic.

Some villages have even managed to hold wassails to bless their cider apple orchards – safely distanced of course.

Snowfall encouraged many to have some fun outdoors, including our riding expert Rachel Thompson, who found some poetic inspiration.

Elsewhere the tremendous work of volunteers and frontline staff continues, supporting their communities and helping to deliver vaccinations.

Students in Castle Cary have set up a community kitchen.

We have many pages devoted to these efforts, including an update on the pandemic from Dr Phil Hammond.

Our Gardening and Homes and Interiors sections are busy this month, as people hopefully begin to look forward to the spring and summer.

We’ve more on the effects of ash dieback, including plans by two local businessmen to plant 500,000 native trees. Volunteers have also been busy planting in Westbury-sub-Mendip, Chew Valley, Midsomer Norton and elsewhere.

With all of our regular contributors and features, let’s take inspiration from the first flowers of spring.

April 2021 deadline: Friday, 12th March 2021 Published: Tuesday, 23rd March 2021 Editorial: Steve Egginton steve@mendiptimes.co.uk Mark Adler mark@mendiptimes.co.uk Advertising: Ann Quinn advertising@mendiptimes.co.uk What’s On listings: Annie Egginton annie@mendiptimes.co.uk Accounts: accounts@mendiptimes.co.uk Publisher: Mendip Times Limited Coombe Lodge, Blagdon, Somerset BS40 7RG Contacts: For all enquiries, telephone:

01761 463888

or email: news@mendiptimes.co.uk www.mendiptimes.co.uk

Design and origination by: Steve Henderson Printed by: Precision Colour Printing, Haldane, Halesfield 1, Telford, Shropshire TF7 4QQ Copyright of editorial content held by Mendip Times Ltd. and its contributors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the express permission of the Publisher. The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent those of the publisher or its associates.

Front cover: Caring in Cary – students launch new food scheme.

Photo by Mark Adler. See page 67.

8

34

Planning for the future – Mendip gets planting

Covid comfort – pupils given Buddy Bears

35

79

Time for fun – snow lifts the spirits

They’re off – getting ready for the Cheltenham Festival

Plus all our regular features Environment ...................................6 Farming Nick Green .....................10 Internet and Crossword ..............12 Food & Drink ...............................14 Arts & Antiques ...........................22 Business.........................................24 History...........................................33 Coronavirus ..................................34 Wildlife Chris Sperring MBE .......41

Walking Sue Gearing ....................42 Outdoors Les Davies MBE ..........44 Gardening Mary Payne MBE.......46 Charities........................................52 Health & Family ..........................56 Caving Phil Hendy ........................76 Riding Rachel Thompson MBE....77 Sport ..............................................78 What’s On.....................................80 MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 3

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MENDIP TIMES

NEWS

Development battle continues despite successes

PRESSURE group Chilcompton Against Rural Overdevelopment has started a new campaign to oppose another proposed housing scheme in the village.

Some residents have received flyers from Gladman Developments suggesting 95 new houses could be built on green fields between Rock Road, Stockhill Road and Hoecroft. No application for planning permission has so far been submitted.

It comes after four other sites in the village at Somer Lea, White Hayes, Sestri paddock and Naishes Cross were rejected for development by planning inspectors.

CARO says that 95 new houses would increase the size of Chilcompton by 10%. Spokesman, Rich Morgan, said: “This is an absolutely terrible development and we will do absolutely everything, within Covid limitations, to prevent it.

“As we’ve said before this is not nimbyism – this is about the sustainability of the village. The school is full, the surgery is full; there are flooding issues throughout the community and the small roads are increasingly dangerous.

“You only have to witness the number of posters displayed

CARO protest signs can be seen in large numbers in Chilcompton

all over Chilcompton to see the strength of feeling held by villagers against this sort of development.”

Meanwhile, Gladman has submitted a fresh proposal for a development of up to 63 houses in Coleford, which is being opposed by many residents there. Late last year, opponents staged a slow protest drive through the village to highlight the problems of increased traffic through the lanes.

Re-open the tunnels, say campaigners

A GROUP which wants access to be restored to two disused railway tunnels near Shepton Mallet is preparing to lodge an appeal for them to be designated as public rights of way.

The Friends of Windsor Hill Tunnels have gathered statements from people who have walked through the tunnels ever since the line – part of the former Somerset and Dorset Railway – closed in 1966.

In 2018 the tunnels, above the hamlet of Bowlish, were fenced off by the owners, Highways England, amidst safety concerns and evidence of bats roosting in them.

The friends are preparing to submit the testimonials to Somerset County Council as historical evidence of the tunnels being used by the public. If successful, the group hopes to work with local authorities and other bodies such as The Strawberry Line and Rail to Trail to develop shared use paths.

Their focus is on the shorter tunnel as it is brick-lined and less attractive to bats. Sarah Thomas, from the group, said: “While Friends of Windsor Hill Tunnels completely support the preservation of all wildlife, especially those which are endangered, we also recognise that bats and humans have and

Gates prevent access to the “new” tunnel

can continue to co-exist in the right habitat.

“The older tunnel is longer with many crevices for roosting and offers much less light. We would propose reopening the newer tunnel which is much shorter and brick-lined, making it much less habitable for bats – we would of course support and encourage an ecological survey from Somerset County Council.

“We would ideally like the tunnels to

become part of the Strawberry Line and wider Somerset Circle, and will work with the relevant councils and local campaign groups to help develop a network of shared use paths along disused railway lines. This would encourage people of all abilities (walkers, cyclists, wheelchair and mobility users) to become more active while enjoying the beautiful countryside.”

For details or to support the friends, find them on Facebook at: @WindsorHillTunnels

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 5

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MENDIP TIMES

Dry stone wallers in demand

Pictured (l to r) Brian Hornshaw, Bernie Tarleton, Alastair Gillham and Joe Cornish, with Dave Brown in front

Have hammer will travel – these Mendip dry stone wallers have also been busy in Cornwall and on Steep Holm, as well as working on projects across Mendip.

They are volunteers with the National Trust in Barton and last featured in Mendip Times when they helped finish the 30-year project to repair the lengthy wall across Wavering Down.

The project on Steep Holm, with island warden Chris Maslen, is to repair and rebuild the footpath from the bottom to the top of the island up a one in three gradient, clearing undergrowth as they go.

They made three trips there in 2019, rebuilding about ten percent of the path, and hope to resume repairs once the pandemic is over.

Group organiser, Dave Brown, said: “With the wall so overgrown and in different sizes, it is difficult to say how long this will take to finish, but I would guess a further three years at least.”

They have also been working on the Mendips at Piney Sleight, above Cheddar Gorge. The 165-metre long wall was badly damaged so they decided to demolish it and rebuild with the old stone because it was so unsafe.

They began work in June 2018 and have since completed 110 metres leaving 55 metres to go. Once they can get back to work they reckon it will take another 11 months at five metres of wall a month.

They have also been working for the National Trust in Cornwall for two years building a collar around an old mineshaft in Pendeen and rebuilding walls in Botallack.

Normally they would go to Cornwall on a Monday-Friday basis, staying in a National Trust house near Penzance, so it is not too far to travel to work.

The path so far on Steep Holm

Details: To volunteer to work in the countryside for the National Trust call 07769 234958 PAGE 6 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

Watch out for hedgehogs

WITH warmer spring weather hopefully arriving, Prickles Hedgehog Rescue in Cheddar is urging people to look out for hedgehogs emerging from winter hibernation.

It suggests you support them with wet cat food and water if you can. If any seem unwell or appear in daylight, call Prickles on 07806 744772. Donations of sachets or tins of wet cat food would also be warmly appreciated.

Community solar scheme up and running

Solar panels being installed on a house in Bruton

THe first installations have taken place of solar Pv panels under a community-led initiative in the Bruton and Castle Cary areas.

Solar Streets BrutonCaryPlus is a scheme where residents and businesses in the two towns and the surrounding area, up to five miles away, can buy discounted solar Pv and generate clean electricity, cut carbon emissions and have lower bills. For each installation, a donation is made towards local environmental projects.

Bruton’s first installation included a battery which enables the residents to use a greater proportion of the electricity generated by the panels. Solar Streets BrutonCaryPlus is a partnership between Pv installers IDDea, sales and marketing organisation The Green Group, Bruton Town Council, Castle Cary Town Council and One Planet Bruton community group. ewan Jones, mayor of Bruton, said: “I am delighted that Bruton and Castle Cary Solar Streets can celebrate our first installation right at the start of 2021. Harnessing the power of the sun demonstrates how Somerset towns and parishes are providing the 21st century energy and initiative to address the Climate and ecological emergency that challenges us all.”

Judi Morison, chair of Castle Cary Town Council, added: “Castle Cary Town Council is pleased to support this partnership working initiative Solar Streets. Its aims fully fit with our environmental action plan for Castle Cary to be carbon neutral by 2030. We enthusiastically endorse this scheme and are glad that our community has started to engage with and benefit from it.”

For details, visit: https://solarstreets.co.uk/brutoncaryplus or www.oneplanetbruton.org

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New enterprise to help tackle climate crisis aN idea discussed over lunch and a glass of wine whilst on a winter holiday in early 2020 has morphed into a new Mendip enterprise being established with the goal of helping companies reduce their carbon footprint through planting native woodlands and restoring biodiversity.

Wanderlands is the brainchild of friends Tim Oliver and Pat Bridgman, both of whom live in Downside, Shepton Mallet, who during the first lockdown designed their proposition. They have ambitious plans to plant 500,000 native broad leaf trees supported by new biodiversity creation across Somerset and other parts of the UK over the next five years, to help businesses and other organisations to offset their Co2 emissions generated by their everyday activities.

Croscombe, between Shepton Mallet and Wells, is at the centre of their first scheme. The village nestles in the steep slopes of a valley. On one side – known locally as Croscombe Hill – Wanderlands have bought 20 acres of marginal farmland which will be restored to become a species-rich meadow of wild flora. The site has been identified as having prehistoric and Romano-British archaeological importance so any tree planting will be kept to a minimum in one specific corner of the field.

Directly across the valley is Paradise Hill, where Wanderlands has begun planting 3,500 trees including chestnut, hazel, oak, birch, wild cherry and sycamore. The new woodland will feature walks, interpretation boards and a picnic area for everyone to enjoy and as an educational resource for schools and the

wider public. In an unusual move, every tree will be numbered, photographed and uploaded to the Wanderlands website for people to track online, through their tree tracker app.

The launch of Wanderlands coincides with the pending passage of the environment Bill due for final reading in Parliament this autumn. One of its key proposals is to set out a plan in line with the governments ambitions to achieve their Paris Climate accord commitments to have businesses, companies and organisations to establish and report their carbon footprint and their plans to achieve carbon neutral status. The government has set a target of 2050 for UK businesses to become carbon neutral.

Tim and Pat say Wanderlands partner with independent expert advisors such as chartered environmentalist, ecologists, foresters and land agents to help businesses develop their environmental accountability.

Tim said: “Tree planting and biodiversity creation go hand in hand in order to maximise carbon sequestration and restore the natural environment.

Whilst it plays a major part in the solution, it needs to be coupled with other measures such as companies and businesses adopting to replace their vehicle from petrol or diesel to electric as they renew.

Forestry director Oli Frost (centre) with colleagues Jim and James on Paradise Hill

For details, visit: www.wanderlands.earth

ENVIRONMENT

Pat Bridgman (left) and Tim Oliver on Croscombe Hill

“Wanderlands look to provide a full set of options in giving companies solutions, while at the heart of solution will be a need to restore and plant new woodland and create new biodiversity, through flora and fauna. Solutions for businesses have to be pragmatic and commercially sensitive to the needs of business.

He added: “Working with us not only helps a business with addressing their carbon footprint, but it they benefit from delivering a strong brand narrative to a business environmental and social responsibility, a subject which increasingly is top of mind for all consumers.”

Pat said: “Globally, there’s been a proliferation of tree planting organisations in recent years. Obviously, this is a good thing, but we’ve also noticed that unless sites are maintained through dedicated support, planting projects can derail.”

“For us, it was a simple equation: we identify the appropriate land, we secure the right trees for that land, we commit to looking after the trees along with promoting the land’s biodiversity and we do this on a credible, long-term basis for the benefits of generations to come.

We only plant in the UK which many of our clients wish for and particularly like that we offer digital tracking – meaning that people don’t need to travel miles to ‘wander’ on a Wanderlands site.”

One of the team’s “key workers”

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 7

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(Photograph courtesy of Tina Westcott)

MENDIP TIMES

Village acts to replace diseased ash trees

WeSTBURy-subMendip Parish Council has taken action to counter the effects of ash dieback, which is badly affecting the Mendip area.

It formed a tree group towards the end of 2020 and 150 mixed replacement trees have now been planted in Lynchcombe Wood.

With generous support from the Tree Council, who provided funds via its Branching Out fund, advice from the Mendip aONB, and assistance from Somerset Wildlife Trust who own Lynchcombe Wood, plans were drawn up for a large-scale community tree planting to take place.

The young plants were successfully delivered to the village in early January, all was ready – then lockdown arrived. Buffy Fletcher, chair of the tree group, said: "We knew we had to get the trees in the ground one way or another, as the bare root stock had already been lifted by the nursery. Unfortunately the seasonal demands of tree planting don't pay any mind to human rules and regulations, so over a series of Zoom meetings we came up with a Covid safe plan."

The group organised the planting in such a way that timetabled visits could be made to the wood. One “bubble” or family group at a time would collect the trees from a central point and check back when their allocation was in the ground and everybody safe and sound.

In that way all Covid restrictions were adhered to, the trees were planted, and about 40 folk– young and old alike – were able to take pleasure in the activity.

Buffy continued: "It's been fantastic that we've found a way for the community to act together, despite all the current difficulties. Mendip is going to be hit particularly hard by ash dieback, but by acting now we can help preserve woodland habitat for both the community and wildlife."

Next steps for the tree group will be to work with local farmers and landowners to help replace more ash trees in the parish, as well as increasing tree cover where possible.

ENVIRONMENT

Rotary funds trees

ROTaRy, Nailsea and Backwell have donated a second tranche of 60 hazel saplings to the Backwell environment Trust.

Planting was delayed in December as work parties were stopped by the latest lockdown rules.

However, most have now been planted by the trust’s woodland manager, Ian Chambers (pictured).

Winning photo

THIS stunning photo of a red throated diver was one of the winners of the Rotary Club of Nailsea and Backwell’s young photographer competition run with Nailsea and Backwell schools.

It was taken by Tom Lilley from Nailsea, who goes forward to the next round of the competition with Peter Cowley, from Backwell, winner of the senior prize.

New woodland

a NeW woodland of 350 native trees is set to be planted at Norton Hill School in Midsomer Norton to create an outdoor teaching space and increase the number of trees locally.

Bath & North east Somerset Council has worked with the school on a successful grant bid to the Tree Council to develop the school’s outdoor learning facilities and create new habitats for wildlife.

Greening Chew Valley

Simon King planting trees

PAGE 8 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

THe Chew valley Plants Trees group say they are aiming to double the tree cover in the Chew valley by 2030.

Up to 40 trees are being planted around the playing fields in Pensford with plans to make a smalll copse for outdoor play and education.

The group is looking for landowners and farmers who would like to add patches of trees to unproductive corners of their fields.

Group member, alex Limberg, said: "The first 1000 oaks have been distributed to local homes including landowners in Pensford, and we’re now looking for people who would be happy to have trees, hedgerows or the infilling of existing hedgerows to be planted on pieces of land large and small, especially areas that are too steep or awkward to be used for agriculture.”

Details: http;//www.chewvalleyplantstrees.co.uk

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MENDIP TIMES

Please show respect for our countryside

WITH access to leisure pursuits restricted and the majority of organised exercise shut down, many have taken up walking as a replacement. This has to be applauded and with the various methods of measuring distance, steps, heartbeat and the like can create some interest on top of the actual walk.

With NICK Linked to walk and talk and it’s not just GREEN exercise, it can be a social event as well – making sure Covid rules are observed! We have fantastic areas all around us and many have the luxury of walking out of their door and not far to reach open countryside.

On the whole, farmers and other land managers welcome walkers in the countryside. Footpaths are kept clear, access gates maintained and stiles kept in a safe state of repair. This is all done as a part of the land manager’s normal workload without payment.

Generally, everyone plays their part and all parties rub along without too many problems. However, since the various lockdowns, there has been an upsurge in litter and gates left open.

You don’t have to walk far around Mendip and surrounding areas to find discarded face masks, empty drinks cans and various food wrappers.

To top this off, bags of dog poo, neatly packaged in the proper

bags can now be found on a daily basis hung in the hedgerow for someone else to collect and dispose of. For those of us who are, or have been involved with the various youth organisations such as guides and scouts, the Countryside Code is second nature but it seems there are some who aren’t aware of it.

There are three parts to the Countryside Code. Respect, protect and enjoy. In a nutshell it’s about looking after property, the environment, livestock and taking pleasure in your surroundings.

For those who want to find out more there is plenty of information on the internet.

For those who don’t have access to the internet, or the inclination to look, there is an easy guide. Leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but photos. Follow this simple rule and everyone will be happy.

Nick Green is Farms Director for Alvis Bros Ltd based at Lye Cross Farm. He is responsible for the farming and estate business and is passionate about British food and farming. As well as the business, he is involved with a number of local and national farming charities.

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PAGE 10 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

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Farming section.qxp_Layout 1 18/02/2021 13:15 Page 11

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INTERNET

Internet stats for 2020

WITH a world population of 7,800,000,000 people, there are 4,783,503,852 internet users, compared to the 3.42 billion users recorded at the end of 2016.

Worldwide there are 2.77 billion social media users. Facebook currently has 2.27 billion users, and Instagram has one billion users.

More than 5,760,000 blog (weblog – online diary), posts are published on the internet every single day.

In 2020, the UK’s top trending queries were: Coronavirus, followed by US election, Caroline Flack, Coronavirus symptoms, Coronavirus update, Premier League, Boris Johnson, Eat Out to Help Out, Kobe Bryant, and Kim Jong Un. “How to make a face mask?” was the top how-to question asked throughout the year, closely followed by “How to make bread” and “How to cut your own hair”.

Most searched celebrities: Phillip Schofield, Carole Baskin, Joe Exotic, Jordan North, Elon Musk, Prince Harry, Kanye West, Ruthie Henshall, Johnny Depp and Tom Hanks.

In March last year, 8,100 searched for “how to make a loo roll fort”! Slightly worryingly, some searches include: how to make milk, how to make toast, how to make flour, how to get pregnant, how to use Google, what is the length of spaghetti (my answer would be the same as a piece of string!!) How do I get my husband a brain transplant, where are my keys?

Google will autocomplete search questions, so “can a human” was completed with “fly” and “run on water”. “Dinosaurs were” was completed with “made up by the CIA to discourage time travel”. “Who would win a fight between” was completed with “a taco and a grilled cheese”! Don’t know what the answer is to that one though!

Submitted by IT for the Terrified: not training at the moment, but contact us for a word of advice on your computer use.

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Run by a Committee – Staffed by Volunteers Registered Charity No. 1130308 : Company No. 06779600 This article is for guidance only, and the opinion of the writer. For more in depth information, please contact us.

PAGE 12 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

CROSSWORD

The Mendip Mindbender

ACROSS 1 Cheekily or rudely (10) 6 Get rid of the outhouse (4) 9 Ballet: stretched out or held tautly (5) 10 In 1897 this village planted a wellingtonia tree to mark Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee. It became infected, was felled and duly sculpted into “Hands of Friendship”.

(9) 12 You may find June a good example as part of a dozen (8,5) 14 Chewy thick biscuit made of oats and butter, to an American it would be a pancake (8) 15 This village in North Somerset has the hamlets Lower and Upper Canada within its parish (6) 17 Scottish term for a boy or a young man (6) 19 A desk for prayer (4-4) 21 In 2010 Kylie Minogue sang at ‘The Ring O’ Bells’ pub of this village (7,6) 24 Has sudden dramatic deterioration, or plunges (9) 25 Smelling bitter or pungent (5) 26 Beer maker loses brother yet finishes with a jug (4) 27 Christmas now (7-3)

DOWN 1 Very little, a jot (4) 2 Cure-all, a magic bullet (7) 3 Quality often attributed to acrobats (6-7) 4 Worthless ornament (alternative spelling) (4-4) 5 Christian name of Ms. Kuenssberg currently political editor for BBC News (5) 7 Ena Marples headgear (7) 8 Herbaceous plant of the buttercup or larkspur family (10) 11 Regular transport for getting passengers to work (8,5) 13 A retail outlet selling alcoholic drink for consumption elsewhere (3-7) 16 South central State in USA. Capital Little Rock (8) 18 Land attached to a manor and retained by the owner for their own use (7) 20 In redoing this you might end up in Coventry (7) 22 Not at any time (5) 23 A small whirlpool Clues in italics are cryptic

This month’s solution can be found on page 78

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MENDIP TIMES

FOOD & DRINK

Green shoots and honey cake

Spring is nearly here with wild garlic shoots appearing in With JUNE the hedgerows MACFARLANE soon; use them in this seasonal pesto.

Transport yourself to Venice with a delicious pork dish.

And don’t forget your mum on Mother’s Day, Sunday, March 14th, with a sweet fragrant honey cake.

WILD GARLIC PESTO INGREDIENTS

(for four) 150g wild garlic leaves 50g parmesan, grated 1 clove garlic, finely chopped ½ lemon, zested and juiced 50g pine nuts, toasted 150ml light olive oil

This cake is best with Somerset honey

HONEY CAKE

Use the best Somerset honey you can find – it will be worth it!

INGREDIENTS

125g butter 150g clear honey 100g golden caster sugar 2 large eggs, beaten 1 tbsp water 200g self-raising flour Crème fraiche to serve

METHOD Grease and line a 20cm round tin. Preheat oven to 175°C/160°C fan. Gently melt together the butter, sugar and honey in a large pan. Set aside to cool slightly. Beat in the eggs, water and flour to make a smooth batter. Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 40 minutes until well risen and cooked through.

Allow to cool in the tin. Turn out and finish by brushing the surface with a little warmed honey. Scatter over 1tbsp sugar and serve with crème fraiche.

PORK CHOP WITH LEMON, SAGE AND BUTTER INGREDIENTS

March is the time to look out for wild garlic

Pick the leaves young, before the flowers develop. Forage sparingly away from busy roads and, if necessary, ask permission.

METHOD Rinse, dry and roughly chop the garlic leaves. Whizz together the leaves, parmesan, garlic, lemon zest and pine nuts, then add the oil, little by little.

You may not need it all. Taste, season and add a little lemon juice to finish.

Serve with your favourite pasta – I like the thicker strands of bucatini, but spaghetti is good too.

PAGE 14 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

No holidays abroad? This dish will transport you to Italy

A lovely simple dish to remind you of Italy in the spring.

METHOD Heat a big splash of oil in a heavy frying pan. Dust the chops with flour and settle them in the pan with the sage leaves.

Allow to brown evenly on both sides, seasoning as you go, until cooked

(for four) Olive oil 4 thick cut pork chops on the bone, trimmed Plain flour Small handful fresh sage leaves Salt & black pepper 1 lemon Small glass white wine 80g unsalted butter

through. Remove and keep warm.

Cut the lemon in half lengthways and squeeze one half into the pan, followed by the white wine. Bubble up and scrape the pan residue into the sauce. When it has reduced a bit add the butter, swirl vigorously for 30 seconds and turn off heat. Serve chops with sage and lemon sauce and a wedge of lemon.

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MENDIP TIMES

Lockdown recipes

Janet Thornhill (left) and Jenny Harris

BISHoP Sutton and Stowey WI members have published their own Lockdown Recipes booklet for group members to share.

President Jenny Harris said: “It is an amazing collection of much-loved recipes, starting with lettuce soup and finishing with the sophisticated zucchini (courgette) nut bread.”

A new image – and a new market!

Midsomer Norton Farmers’ Market returned in February after the New Year Break

Visit: www.somersetfarmersmarkets.co.uk

butchers * fishmongers * delicatessen

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e cross, union street, cheddar, somerset bs27 3na • 01934 742521 email cobbsofcheddar@outlook.com PAGE 16 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

SoMERSET Farmers’ Markets have developed a fresh, new, recognisable brand for their network of markets which celebrates the diversity of its food producer members.

And it can boast a recent addition to its roll-call – Nailsea takes pride of place in the town’s High Street with road closures in place and has become one of the biggest in the area with the capacity for 34 stalls.

A cheerful basket of local produce is at the core of the new SFM logo.

Additional icons illustrate the breadth of food production in Somerset, from cheesemaking and strawberry growing to tractors and baking.

Each of the monthly markets has been branded with a distinct colour represented on their leaflets, Carla Masters, of Easton near Wells, verge signs, made her farmers’ markets debut at website page and Midsomer Norton with her Pig Patch banners to Pigs stall maintain their distinct identity within the countywide network.

The markets take place on a monthly rotation: the first Saturday sees Axbridge and Midsomer Norton; Keynsham and the Frome Cheese & Grain take place on the second Saturday with Crewkerne and Nailsea on the third and Burnham-on-Sea on the fourth.

The markets reopened after the first lockdown in July and the team has continued to work extremely hard with its members to be Covid-safe.

For details, visit: www.somersetfarmersmarkets where shoppers can sign up for a newsletter for their local market.

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WILD FOOD

Fruity winter warmer

GIvEN the fantastically cold weather we have experienced recently, the snow, frosts, frozen icicles on hedges and the wind chill of minus 8 or more (or is that less?), it has been a tough time for the forager. But don’t feel too sad, think how the wildlife feels! The birds are hungry, With ADRIAN snowdrops and crocuses are out and the BOOTS daffodils sent up exploratory shoots then thought better of it.

Even with the super cold weather some shrubs have kept their berries, which is great for wildlife and forager alike. So I reminded myself about one of my favourites, the shiny red cowberry.

Cowberry, Lingonberry (vaccinium vitis-idea) is a small creeping evergreen shrub up to about 40cm. Leaves are elliptical to oblong, dark green above paler beneath, edges rolled under. Clusters of small bell-shaped pink to white flowers appear May to June. The red fruits are small and rounded. So what’s so special about it?

Well apart from the beautiful and wild landscapes you find this berry in, they contain high levels of vitamin C and a natural preservative and as such store really well without the need for preservatives or freezing. Warning – they are not naturally sweet!

Now, if you don’t manage to forage for cowberry yourselves (and who could blame you due to geography and the bone chilling wind) then I have a solution for you. Go to the freezer and check out that packet of frozen garden or hedge-picked fruit you had forgotten about: blackberries, black currants, red currants, raspberries etc.

Put it all in a pan with water and a few tablespoons of sugar. We are not making jam here but a cordial! Strain through a fine sieve and store in bottles. So next time you go out for a walk in sub-Arctic conditions forget your usual tea or coffee, take a flask of this fruity winter warmer with you instead.

Adrian Boots is a Landscape Ecologist, Wild Food Forager and Adventure Activity provider. You can visit his website: www.gowildactivities.co.uk to learn more about wild food foraging and activities you can do with him on the Mendip Hills.

FOOD & DRINK

GARDEN FOOD

So easy to grow

RADISHES must be the easiest, quickest and most foolproof vegetable that it’s possible to grow. The classic “French Breakfast” variety was the very first vegetable I ever grew, when I was six years old, and thinking back on it now I realise that feeling of With JAKE satisfaction, the easy gratification of WHITSON growing food in just a few short weeks, may well have been the spark that set me on the path I’m still on with food.

We planted a pink, finger-shaped radish called “Rosa” very late last year, in late october, for use over the winter.

I thought we’d planted them rather too late as going into December they looked extremely small, but they are hardy little things, making a lot from the extremely limited light and warmth, and gradually thickened up so that we’ve been picking bunches of lovely finger thick radishes from late December onwards.

We’re just getting through the last of them now – they make a lovely addition to sandwiches, or eaten on their own with cold butter and salt. Pictured here is our valentine’s day starter – steak tartare with finely chopped red onion, wholegrain mustard, capers and chopped radishes from the garden – their peppery crunch goes perfectly with the unctuous raw beef and egg yolk.

Cooked radishes are something that are also growing on me – they are in fact very similar to turnips and can be used in many of the same recipes. There are even radish varieties bred just for cooking such as “Black Spanish Round” which grows to tennis ball size and is excellent grated up for stir fries in the winter.

Another type of radish that is completely new to me is the “Rat-tail” radish – this is grown for its elongated seed pods rather than the root. I’ve not had a chance to grow them yet but these are supposed to be crunchy and quite delicious – one kind is grown in Germany to serve alongside beer as a sort of healthy bar snack!

Jacob Whitson is a chef, food writer and smallholder – he divides his time between the Mendips and Pembrokeshire.

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 17

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MENDIP TIMES

Root Connections: delivering food and a positive social impact

THE name of Root Connections – a unique, not-for-profit organisation helping to bring an end to rural homelessness – will soon become a familiar sight on roads around Mendip.

Thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund, the fruit and vegetable and cut flower provider has just acquired a new-look home van as it expands its service around the area, delivering fresh chemical-free produce, grown to organic principles on its 1.5-acre market garden at Stratton-on-theFosse. The produce now arrives in an upgraded, easy to handle, recyclable FSC certified cardboard box.

Despite the many Covid-19 challenges that have faced Root Connections over the last 12 months, the organisation and its team of volunteers has continued unwaveringly in its mission to improve the health and wellbeing of those who are homeless or rough sleeping.

Suzanne Addicott, Roots Connections’ founder, said: “We’re building on our work over the last two years and widening our reach – including creating learning and development opportunities for our volunteers, while actively supporting the Dairy House, a local rough sleeping hostel.”

Since January this year, funding from Somerset Skills & Learning has enabled the community interest company to offer volunteers and residents a programme of Social and Therapeutic Horticulture Practice, led by a dedicated Roots Social and Therapeutic Practitioner in partnership with UK gardening charity Thrive.

Root Connections is now also a base for City & Guilds Level 1 in horticulture training, a learning pathway open to volunteers and residents alike, offering a tangible next step in peoples’ lives.

Suzanne added: “It’s such an exciting time for us here on the farm and for our volunteers. our focus is very much on getting our fantastically fresh, locally grown produce out into the local community; we run three deliveries a week, across four routes within a 12.5 miles radius of the farm and don’t charge for delivery. Every penny we make from sales of our produce goes back into making a positive social impact – what’s not to love!”

As fresh as it gets: a Root Connections vegetable box

For details, visit www.rootconnections.co.uk or find them on Facebook and Instagram PAGE 18 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

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Family cider firm back in business

FOOD & DRINK

Brakes Cider has been relaunched by Joe Brake, 40 years after the business came to an end with the retirement of his grandfather’s cousin, Leonard Brake.

BASED in Nailsea it ran successfully for over a 100 years, having been started by Leonard’s father Walter Brake in the late 1800s.

The business blossomed with Leonard taking the reins in the mid1900s.

Brakes used about 200-300 acres of orchards yearly and with the help of half a dozen employees would harvest and press the fruit they needed. In times of local shortage they would venture through Somerset and Devon country buying up apples, even importing apples from France if there was a real shortage.

Brakes supplied over 60 pubs in Bristol and North Somerset and held the best draft cider trade obtainable in Bristol for some time. Hundreds of gallons a week would be sent in to Bristol in cask barrels on horse and carts in the early to mid-1900s.

As well as cider, Walter Brake and his brother, Alfred, farmed around 350 acres between them in the West End of Nailsea. Walter and son Leonard ran 200 head of beef cattle that they would feed the apple pomace when cider making.

They would also show a lot of cattle and took many a prize at Christmas time.

Len Brake was a wellknown figure around the markets. Walter’s brother, Alfred, and his son, Jack, farmed a dairy herd at Youngwood Lane that went on producing milk up until the late 1990s.

A double screw press is still present at the farm there today. It made cider for farm workers and Joe Brake personal consumption!

Len Brake delivering cider in the 1930s

Today only about ten acres of orchards that Brakes used to use are left standing locally.

Joe said: “Bringing back Brakes cider is something I’ve wanted to do for some time now.

“It would have taken a long time and a lot of hard work to build a business to that scale with the amount of trade it had years ago, so it’s just nice to see it going again in some form.

“It’s also a good feeling that I can get apples from an orchard today that would have been harvested to get apples for Brakes cider 50 years ago. It was also nice to learn the Wurzels liked a drop of Brakes cider at the Royal oak in Nailsea where they used to record some of their music.

“I never got a chance to meet Leonard as he passed a few years before I was born, but I still see his grandchildren and family. I visit Leonard’s daughter Isobel and she tells me some great stories about her father. I also hear many other stories from folk around here about Len! “Starting again has not been the easiest thing to do but I’m lucky to know enough people who have been a great help to me and made it that bit easier to make this happen. It’s been welcomed by many and the local support has been great.

“I managed to get into six or so pubs, four rugby clubs and several farm shops before we went into another lockdown which has bought most of that to a halt! When all this over I hope to push on with getting Brakes cider in few more places!”

Brakes Cider will be available throughout North Somerset in various establishments. An orchard blend of a sparkling medium sweet, West End Tipple, and a farmhouse dry, Youngwood Tipple, are currently available. l A voice recording of Leonard Brake from the 1970s talking about Brakes Cider can be heard on Somerset voices: www.somersetvoices.org.uk and search Leonard Brake.

Cleaning the barrels, Len and Walter Brake with workers St Mary’s Grove 1923

Details: Instagram@brakescider

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 19

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MENDIP TIMES

Village store reopens

FOOD & DRINK

THE village shop has reopened in Chewton Mendip thanks to Nikki and Gerhard Perold, who live across the road in the village

with their children Zara, Brooke and Adam.

The Mendip Pantry stocks a wide range of essentials, fruit and vegetables, newspapers, meals, cakes, home-made pies and fresh milk. Gerhard has also moved his Perold Wine Cellar business there from nearby Rookery Farm.

They hope to open a small café eventually and currently offer takeaway breakfasts and lunches, with very popular takeaway dinners on Fridays. The cyclists are back – and so are the villagers.

Gerhard said: “We are part of the community and after a very long wait while the shop was closed we wanted to be able to give the village a really good shop.”

Nikki, who still works part-time at Mendip Auction Rooms, said: “Everybody has been so supportive, with the demand for meals on Fridays quite overwhelming.”

The Mendip Pantry

SHOP | CAFÉ | WINE | DELI

Fresh local produce and homemade food Suppliers include Arthur David Taylors Bread Farmhouse Dairy Mitchards

Takeaway breakfast, lunch and Friday night specials

The Stores, High Street, Chewton Mendip BA3 4LJ 01761 240820 www.peroldwinecellar.co.uk

PAGE 20 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

Gorgeous coffee and teas

ToM Anderson had hoped to open his Wyvern Coffee Co. shop in Cheddar Gorge last March, but was stopped by the first lockdown. But since he did manage to open last June he says support has been fantastic, from visitors and especially from local people.

Tom, aged 29, lives in Cheddar and attended Fairlands and Kings of Wessex Schools. He was a portrait photographer previously, specialising in live music and dance, before he decided to pursue his love of coffee.

He describes the shop as the home of the finest quality fresh coffee beans, loose teas and artisan hot chocolate, with a choice of 13 coffees and 36 teas. Tom gets help in the shop from parents Bill and Kelly and his partner Marcus.

He said: “I couldn’t have asked for more support from the village.” During lockdown he’s taking orders online, with free local delivery.

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Time to take action on palm oil

SureLy this is going to be the year when many of us humans have to make a lot of changes to our lifestyle, to what we buy, to what our priorities are. The pandemic may have taken much out of us, have taken many away from us, but as the saying goes: for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

The pandemic, when viewed with the Climate and ecological emergency and the impending economic situation, has been a seismic event all around the world, but if you want to use the word apocalypse it is interesting to note that this word, coming from the Greek, means revelation, a disclosure, a revealing, an illumination.

And when we slow down a bit (as Covid-19 has dictated we do) and take time to look around us, literally and mentally, we may see things a little clearer than when we were rushing about in a blind panic trying to make ends meet, going for broke or striving for more and more economic growth.

The ends aren’t meeting any more for some people; those who felt they did not have to cut their coats according to the cloth available now have to (although not government of course) and those who felt constantly taking resources from the planet and then taking even more with no thought of replenishment or putting back was the correct way to behave are now having to think again.

Much is being revealed: inequality is just one of those situations being illuminated, along with injustice, animal abuse – especially in some farming industries – wildlife abuse, overconsumption, overuse of chemicals and antibiotics, pollution of soil, air and water, and fire wreaking havoc in forests the world over, especially in tropical rainforests which are the lungs of the world.

To name just a few of those aspects – rainforests, inequality, injustice, air and soil pollution and overconsumption – I would like to highlight the use of palm oil.

We humans can make a difference here by being aware of the damage the massive use of palm oil is doing to the planet and to people’s lives. rainforests are being destroyed and replaced by sterile acres of oil palm trees (corrupt governments allow this to happen although they know the consequences); wildlife, including our

Take your litter home

I enjoy reading the Mendip Times. Like very many of your readers I live in a rural setting. We have of course noticed an increase in walkers, runners, cyclists and horse riders in the last year as would most readers in similar locations.

It is good that more people are enjoying our beautiful countryside, but sad that when you walk out you see how much extra litter is in the hedgerows and grass verges.

I am sure that the majority of your readers would not dream of leaving anything except a footprint while enjoying the outdoors.

However could I suggest it would be useful if every time a walk is highlighted, or a cycle route, that the editor includes a brief reminder (if the contributor has not done so) to follow the countryside code.

It is only ten points but when observed it certainly makes for a more pleasant experience for everyone!

Liz Richardson Pensford

READER’S OPINION

nearest relation the peaceful orang utan, is being wiped out; those who work harvesting the palm oil are subjected to poor working conditions, low pay and the pesticides used are affecting their health (no union support for them); overconsumption by a growing population buying shampoo, soap, biscuits and hundreds of other products without checking ingredients used is fuelling all this appalling destruction.

It is possible to buy products without palm oil in. And we have a voice; if you care at least make a comment. I looked for bar soap in Waitrose, Wells, the other day and not a single bar did not include palm oil. The soap in a bottle did not include it, but I did not want to purchase yet another plastic bottle. I made a comment to customer services who appeared aware of the issue, understanding and supportive.

I never buy biscuits or cakes containing palm oil now and make my own at home – they are always cheaper and usually edible! I know we have to use an alternative like butter (also an issue as it’s dairy) or rapeseed oil, or sunflower or olive oil, but in our house we have halved (or more) our consumption of biscuits and cake and are the better for it. If we have less of something we value it more.

My mother, aged 89, ordered some soap for me, by phone, as a Christmas present, from the well-known garden roses company David Austin. She specifically asked if their soap contained palm oil and was assured no. I received the soap, which smelled gorgeous, rang my mum to thank her but mentioned it was a shame the soap contained palm oil.

She was horrified and annoyed, rang the company immediately to remonstrate with them and was told they would look into their suppliers and apologised profusely. I was impressed with my mum for being so caring and making such an effort at her age.

If in 2021 we can all make this sort of effort, be this caring, be aware of what’s going on, and make some small changes, then we can turn this situation around and improve the lives of all who depend on a clean, healthy, equitable and unpolluted planet. And that’s all of us, surely?

Laura Sørensen Meare Dear Mendip Times, During the pandemic, people have rediscovered the simple act of walking – the oldest, cheapest and greenest transport there is. It has allowed us to stay healthy, happy and connected to those around us.

But lots of us still struggle with narrow, cluttered, uneven pavements; crossings that prioritise cars rather than people; and growing numbers of speeding vehicles.

That’s why I support Living Streets’ Manifesto for Walking, which calls for candidates in our upcoming election to pledge to end pedestrian deaths and injuries on roads, tackle air pollution, make school streets safe and make walking easier by cutting the clutter on our pavements.

It is time we redesigned our streets around people not cars.

That way we can all continue to enjoy the benefits of walking and healthier, happier communities.

Nina Swift, Street

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 21

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MENDIP TIMES

Entries invited for Mendip’s Fine Wines and Sporting Sale FINE wines and sport are two great interests that many have and Killens will be hosting a sale of Fine Wines, Spirits and Sporting items at an evening sale on April 22nd. Entries are invited and do contact Craig Lear, one of the valuers at Killens’ Mendip Auction Rooms, for further advice.

In spite of the lockdown, Killens have had a busy February with three sales held with incredible prices achieved at all. With all sales being held online only, there was fast bidding for all items as buyers spend more time at home. Quality or the interesting continues to sell particularly well and a good example of that was a 20th century leather chaise longue, possibly of Danish design, in need of improvement that achieved £1,900 at the monthly Fine Art sale.

At the time of writing, it is still not possible to attend the auction rooms for valuations, viewings or sales but it is possible to deliver and collect items. The team at the auction rooms look forward to opening up fully once it is safe to do so and do keep an eye on the auction rooms’ website for the latest news. Alternatively, sign up to the Killens regular email newsletter ensuring that you receive the latest auction catalogues.

Deliveries can be made to the auction rooms between 10am and 5pm each weekday. In addition, senior valuer, Neil Grenyer, is out on the road conducting home visits free of charge whilst Aaron Rogers and his team undertake house clearances.

The team at the Mendip Auction Rooms aim to make selling and buying at auction straightforward.

PAGE 22 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

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ARTS & ANTIQUES

Antiques Roadshow expert joins Clevedon Salerooms CHRIS Yeo, an expert in 20th century design and craft and a regular expert on BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, has joined Clevedon Salerooms.

Chris first appeared on the Antiques Roadshow in 2015 and his appearances have included valuing a script for the first Dr Who. He’s spent many years working as a freelance consultant and curator, most notably at the Ken Stradling Collection of modern design in Bristol.

Ken Stradling was for many years the managing director of the Bristol Guild of Applied Art. The jewel in the crown of his 2,000 piece collection, is a unique group of furniture designed in 1935 by Bauhaus architect Marcel Breuer for the Bristol home of furniture manufacturer Crofton Gane.

Chris worked previously for Lorfords and Dreweatts. He grew up in Cheddar, Shipham and Winscombe before moving to Bristol.

Chris said: “I’ve always been fascinated by the objects around me. Even before I could speak I remember being spellbound

by furniture and household bits and pieces.

My grandparents would take me to antiques fairs and, unlike most small children, I loved it.”

At the age of 14 he started buying and selling antiques from a weekend market stall in Cheddar village hall. He studied history at university and then in his 20s had a spell working outside the field, but the lure of antiques kept calling, so he went

back to university and did a Master’s degree in Fine Art Valuation.

At Clevedon he will be playing an important part in cataloguing their Quarterly Specialist Sales and their regular Antique, Interiors, Collectables and Jewellery Auctions.

Chris will also be meeting the public to deal with a broad spectrum of valuation enquiries.

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 23

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MENDIP TIMES

ECATCHER MOL

NO MOLE NO FEE Telephone 01761 417100 www.mendipmolecatcher.co.uk

Nature Gift

Give a tree to family & friends www.chills.org.uk/naturegift

Camping

Book your wild camping for your UK staycation www.chills.org.uk/camping

PAGE 24 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

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BUSINESS

Access to the countryside and the law

In the present pandemic the pursuits of walking and cycling have become increasingly popular countryside activities but some may be uncertain about whether they can use a particular pathway. Here are some examples of where you can go.

A public footpath is a path on which the public have a legally protected right to travel on foot. The majority of footpaths are shown on Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 and 1:50,000 maps. The right of access on a public footpath normally only extends to walking (there may be other unrecorded rights as well), so there is usually no right to cycle or ride a horse on a public footpath.

However, it is not a criminal offence to do so unless there is a traffic order or bylaw in place specifically: it is a civil wrong to ride a bicycle or a horse on a public footpath, and action could be taken by the landowner for trespass or nuisance by the user.

A public bridleway is a way over which the public have the following, but normally (unless otherwise according to Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 s56(1)(b)) no other rights:

• to travel on foot and • to travel on horseback or leading a horse, with or without a right to drive animals of any description along the way.

Although Section 30 of the Countryside Act 1968 permits the riding of bicycles on public bridleways, the Act says that it "shall not create any obligation to facilitate the use of the bridleway by cyclists". Thus, the right to cycle exists even though it may be difficult to exercise on occasion.

Cyclists using a bridleway are obliged to give way to other users on foot or horseback.

A byway open to all traffic (or BOAT) is a highway over which the general public have a right to travel for vehicular and all other kinds of traffic, but which is used by the public mainly as footpaths and bridleways are used.

Finally a permissive path, permitted path or concessionary path is a path (which could be for walkers, riders, cyclists, or any combination) whose use is allowed by the landowner. It would normally be a path that is not at the time on the definitive map of public rights of way but that does not prevent it from

already being a public path for any or all of those user categories mentioned. For instance it might be a historic route fallen into disuse or it might have been used for 20 years ‘as of right’ by the public, in both cases being a public right of way which is not yet shown on the definitive map.

EDWARD LYONS

Email: enquiries@lyonslaw.co.uk Website: www.lyonslaw.co.uk Telephone: 01275 332168

An established and progressive law firm providing a personal and cost-effective legal service for commercial and individual clients. l Family & Divorce Law l Co-habitation disputes l Inheritance disputes l Wills and Living Wills l Powers of Attorney l Administration of Trusts l Property – sales and purchases OFFICES AT: Chew Magna 01275 332168

Westbury-on-Trym 0117 950 6506

Kingswood 0117 967 5252 MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 25

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MENDIP TIMES

Landowning issues in lockdown – advice from Clarke Willmott AT the time of writing this article, we find ourselves in the throes of another national lockdown. Although Lockdown 3.0 has a very different feel to the first, mostly on account of the dark days and wintery weather, people are still flocking to the countryside for exercise and fresh air. This is continuing to cause some landowners concern particularly in relation to footpaths, livestock worrying and littering/flytipping.

In this article, I am going to explore the knotty problem of footpaths and consider the practical and legal measures that can be taken by landowners to protect their land.

Managing established rights of way We know that Covid-19 has led to an intensified use of green spaces. Whilst public rights of way were largely able to cope with the increased footfall in the first lockdown, the onset of winter weather has caused many to deteriorate.

Rather than persevering along the muddy routes, some users are choosing to stray from established paths leading to many footpaths becoming far wider than the legal line of the routes as drawn and with productive arable and pastoral land becoming damaged in the process.

Whilst this situation is concerning, it does not give landowners any excuse to block or obstruct public rights of way which run over their land. In fact, it is an offence to do so without lawful authority or excuse under the Highways Act 1980 and can result in a hefty fine. However, there are simple steps that can be followed to mitigate the problem: • Signage – many member organisations such as the nFU and the CLA have downloadable signage which can be used to encourage users not to stray away from the paths. Effective signage does more than say “Keep Out” – it can politely educate visitors about why it is important to stick to the paths e.g. “This land is home to ground nesting birds. Please do not stray from the right of way and keep dogs on a lead or under very close control to avoid disturbing the birds”.

• Good management of the paths – clearing away fallen branches, keeping stiles in good working order and not locking gates will all help to minimise wandering.

• Offering permissive footpaths – this could take the pressure off existing routes and give the ground time to repair. Existing routes do have to stay open, however, and signage will be needed to direct walkers to the alternative.

The claiming and recording of new rights of way Landowners should also be aware that the public can apply for rights of way Daniel Gill to be

recorded on the definitive map by applying for what is called a Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO). Any right of way can be claimed via user or documentary/historic evidence or a combination of both.

1. User evidence Section 31 of the Highways Act 1980 provides that any person can apply to have a route recorded as a public right of way if it can be shown that there has been at least 20 years’ uninterrupted use by the public “as of right” (without force, secrecy or permission).

If such use is proven, this creates a rebuttable presumption that a route has been dedicated for use by the landowner. The burden then shifts to the landowner to prove that a route has not been dedicated. Evidence which is often put forward by landowners to prove this includes: • The erection of carefully worded and strategically placed notices.

• The regular locking of any gates and the recording of the same.

• Polite challenges to users who stray from established rights of way, and again keeping a record of the same.

• The depositing of a statement and map followed by a subsequent declaration under section 31(6) acknowledging any existing public rights of way and declaring no intention to dedicate any further routes to the public.

2. Documentary/historic evidence A well-known saying in public rights of way law is “Once a highway, always a highway”. This saying comes from the ability of the public to lodge applications for the adding of public rights of way based on historic documents which show that a particular route was once a public right of way (highway), even if the public use of such a route has long since stopped.

Applications based on both types of evidence have become more prevalent in light of the requirement to register lost or historic paths by the statutory deadline of 2026 and organisations such as the Ramblers have launched projects to support volunteers with collecting the necessary evidence required to support applications.

We regularly advise landowners and others in connection with all types of public rights of way matters.

For further information please contact Daniel Gill daniel.gill@clarkewillmott.com 0345 209 2563

PAGE 26 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

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BUSINESS

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 27

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MENDIP TIMES

What is a common law marriage?

THE number of people choosing to live together (cohabiting) rather than get married is growing and given the recent spike in lockdown enforced cohabitation it’s only going to rise.

Family Solicitor, Elizabeth Dowler, from Mogers Drewett, dispels some of the myths that surround the concept of cohabitation and common law marriage.

The reality The current law regarding cohabitation is out of date and fails to provide any real protection for cohabiting couples. Instances where cohabitants are disadvantaged in circumstances where a married person would have protection include: • Financial claims upon relationship breakdown: married couples have an automatic right, cohabiting couples do not.

• Entitlement to partner’s assets upon death: married couples have an automatic entitlement to inherit, cohabiting couples do not.

• Tax exemptions for Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax and Stamp Duty Land Tax:

married couples have access to tax exemptions on the transfer of assets in a range of situations, cohabiting couples do not.

• Obtaining a survivor’s pension: there is no requirement of nomination for married couples, however there is an absolute requirement of nomination for cohabiting couples.

Steps to take Whilst cohabitants are not provided automatic protection, there are steps that can be taken to safeguard their position including: • Cohabitation Agreement. Covering matters relating to property, finances and children, this document sets out certain agreements and intentions to be relied upon during and after a relationship breakdown • Deed of Trust. Where cohabitants own joint property, a deed of trust can provide protection to parties who have contributed more into the purchase of a property • Will. Cohabitants do not automatically inherit. To ensure a partner inherits, a Will

needs to be put in place to confirm this.

In the event of separation and where the cohabitants have children together, a parent can make an application for a lump sum and settlement or transfer of property order, in addition to regular payments for the benefit of the child, under Schedule 1 of the Children Act 1989. no one enters a relationship thinking it will break down but until the laws on cohabitation are updated, any couples living together should take steps to protect themselves.

Speak to Elizabeth today on 01749 342 323 or email Elizabeth.dowler@mogersdrewett.com

PAGE 28 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

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BUSINESS

‘Do it Better’

nATIOnAL Friendly has scooped first place in Protection Review’s “Doing it Better” category. The Protection Review is the definitive review of the UK's multi-billion pound health and protection insurance industry and its conference and awards is regarded as the “go to” event for the industry.

The award recognises companies who have shown strong evidence of community initiatives which have made a genuine difference to the lives of vulnerable people in their local community.

Kurtis Reece holding the Protection national Friendly is a Review Award for Doing it Better mutual insurer specialising in private healthcare and life cover for the over 50s, including later life options, but also sees its work with the local community as being a big part of its ethos.

Two initiatives in particular caught the judges’ eyes. Kurtis Reece, national Friendly’s PR and corporate partnerships executive takes up the story: “We won praise for our work in the community in Bristol, working collaboratively with local organisations and charities to make a fundamental difference to local lives.”

The judges were very impressed with their sponsorship of The Bristol Hippodrome’s Matinee Mingle. This initiative was launched by the theatre in association with Bristol Age UK, to address loneliness in later life at a time when people may become more vulnerable.

Kurtis Reece adds: “We worked alongside The Bristol Hippodrome, supporting the organisation’s social events for the over 60s. People were entertained and got a chance to mingle without feeling self-conscious.”

The award also recognised national Friendly’s fundraising partnership with Southmead Hospital Charity, the official charity of north Bristol Trust (nBT). national Friendly was able to raise its highest annual amount of £26,500 for nBT’s neonatal

Louise Webber and Southmead Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurses

Intensive Care Unit (nICU) after Louise Webber, a team leader with personal experience of the charity, nominated nICU to be charity of the year in 2019.

The record sum is indicative of national Friendly’s growing involvement with others in the local community to make great things happen.

Ben Phillips, Theatre Director at The Bristol Hippodrome, said: “We are delighted that national Friendly’s sponsorship of our Matinee Mingle has been recognised by the wider business community. The Matinee Mingle is one of our initiatives directed at overcoming loneliness through encouraging older patrons to continue enjoying live theatre in a safe and friendly environment

Kurtis Reece at The Bristol Hippodrome, Matinee Mingle

here at the Hippodrome across all our shows.

“Alongside the sponsorship it is no surprise to hear of the record amount raised for Southmead Hospital Charity and the neonatal Intensive Care Unit at north Bristol Trust and we give gratitude to the generosity of our theatre customers.

“We continue to encourage collaboration with our partners and always strive to work with the best in the business. We look forward to our relationship with national Friendly flourishing further this year and it’s so nice to have a positive story to kick off 2021.”

Adrian Brown, Fundraising Manager at Southmead Hospital Charity, added: “We are over the moon that national Friendly has received some much-deserved recognition for their contribution to the local community. From young to old, national Friendly has given so much support to the people of Bristol.

“Our corporate partners mean the world to us, and in national Friendly, we’ve found an organisation who are passionate, dedicated and driven in helping others. We are so grateful for their incredible fundraising, and the impact it has had on seriously ill babies and their parents at north Bristol Trust’s nICU.” Kurtis concluded: “The support we are able to give back to our community results from the countless individual fundraising acts that our staff in Bristol throw themselves into. I continue to work closely with our corporate partners to develop our community initiatives throughout 2021 and I am delighted that national Friendly’s efforts has now been recognised.

“Our company is relatively small but its collective heart is big.”

nationalfriendly.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 29

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MENDIP TIMES

Truespeed survey reveals family broadband battles A nEW survey of 2,000 parents, commissioned by Bath-based full fibre broadband provider Truespeed, reveals that three quarters of families have argued over broadband as they battle to work from home while ensuring their children attend online classes.

According to the survey conducted

by OnePoll, two-thirds (67%) of parents say they need fast broadband connectivity because they work from home, but only around a third (36 percent) have a highly reliable home broadband connection. And almost half (46 percent) experience broadband problems at least once a week.

Video calls shuddering, freezing or even dropping out entirely have been experienced by 24 percent, while 16 percent have even struggled to get their broadband to cooperate when sending an email.

Today reliable home broadband is seen as a crucial part of modern life, with a huge 92 percent of respondents claiming they would be “lost” without it.

Against this backdrop, it’s

unsurprising that a fifth of parents have faced arguments after asking their children to stop using the broadband to free up enough bandwidth for them to attend a work video call. Or that four in ten families now have more rows about internet use than about what to watch on TV. And with the typical household juggling nine connected devices at once, clogging up the broadband was found to be the top gripe (23 percent). Others have rowed because someone tried to download a big file, making the internet slow for everyone else (13 percent).

Evan Wienburg, CEO of Truespeed, said: “Struggling with sub-standard broadband is a big challenge for parents up and down the country juggling working from home with their kids’ online schooling. Everyone wants a piece of the broadband action so it’s hardly surprising that unreliable connectivity and bandwidth issues are causing family rows.

“Our survey underlines the urgent need for WFH parents to be able to

choose an ultra-fast, ultra-reliable full fibre broadband service that can handle whatever their family throws at it.”

Truespeed is focused on connecting communities in cities, towns and rural areas in the South West that have been ignored by national broadband providers. The firm has already connected over 200 communities, is continuing its network roll out in the historic city of Wells, and this month announced it has kicked off its network build in Bath and environs.

By building a brand new ten gigabit-capable full fibre broadband infrastructure and providing a dedicated fibre-optic line to every household, Truespeed guarantees lightning quick connectivity and castiron reliability, even at peak times.

True to its community-first ethos, Truespeed also offers primary schools and community hubs passed by its network free ultrafast broadband for life. To date, over 100 schools and community hubs have signed up.

To discover more and place your order for ultrafast broadband, simply visit truespeed.com PAGE 30 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

BUSINESS

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MENDIP TIMES

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History feature.qxp_Layout 1 17/02/2021 18:12 Page 1

HISTORY

Website launch to help cemetery restoration work VOLUNTEERS who tend Frome’s historic Dissenters’ Cemetery have set up a new website to raise the profile of their £25,000 restoration appeal.

Plans are in hand to restore the chapel to enable it to house a heritage and educational resource centre and to create a nature trail and orchard along the north wall.

The cemetery, on Vallis Road, opened in 1851 and contains more than 6,200 burials and interred cremated remains.

Trust secretary Jim Parson said: “The Frome Dissenters Cemetery became the resting place for many of the town’s families, both of high and low estate.

There are also a dozen war graves located here. Sadly, due to the lack of proper maintenance and the tide of time, nature had turned the site into an inaccessible

Trustees hope to restore the chapel

Trust secretary Jim Parsons – the cemetery offers an ideal place for his daily exercise during lockdown

wilderness!”

Over the past 18 years, the cemetery itself has been lovingly restored, with fallen gravestones reinstated and cleaned and the north wall is being rebuilt. People and organisations are also being encouraged to “adopt” a grave to help with its care.

Although the cemetery is accessible all year round, trustees host an open day once a year when the registers listing all the graves are available for visitors to examine.

Following the 2004 open day, renowned book printers Butler & Tanner – the original Joseph Tanner is buried in the cemetery – agreed to arrange the restoration of the first two registers of burials. The registers are on vellum and cover the years 1851 to 1878 and 1878 to 1906. They record the burials of about 4,000 people. Copies of all the records are available on CD for people interested in their family history or the cemetery itself, to buy.

Whilst built principally for the dissenting Baptist and Congregational congregations, the cemetery contains the remains of people from every church in the town and some of no faith. Plots are still available and are sought after, said Jim.

One of the 12 war graves

This year’s open day – marking the 170th anniversary – is due to take place on Saturday, September 4th from 10am until midday. For details, visit: www.fromedissenterscemetery.org

New team at museum

THE Museum of Bath Stone has announced the appointment of a new chair of trustees, Robin Tatam, and chief executive, Miranda Litchfield, who led the development programme “Somerset Coalfield Life” at Radstock Museum.

They are planning a 12-month development programme for the museum, which opened in 2014, following one of the largest engineering projects ever of its kind in Europe to stop Combe Down collapsing into the honeycomb of quarries

beneath it.

Miranda said: “From the outset, it was clear this is a small museum with a big vision. It has been a real pleasure to work with such an aspirational team and design a development programme which will see the museum reach new heights.

“Our mission is to tell the story of Bath Stone in full colour – from the Jurassic era, to the Roman Empire, to Georgian Bath and the present day.”

The museum is currently closed

because of the pandemic and hopes to reopen in April. Admission is free.

Details: 01225 837439 or email miranda@museumofbathstone.org

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 33

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MENDIP TIMES

Why broadband needs to be affordable to all The pandemic has shown just how important access to the internet has become. It has allowed us to carry on working, home schooling, having medical appointments and keeping in touch with family and friends.

But the financial effects of the lockdowns have started to bite for some of the most financially vulnerable in our communities.

For many, just when they have lost income or even their jobs and fallen into debt, broadband has become less affordable at the time it is most needed.

For example, if you are applying for benefits such as Universal Credit or are looking for jobs online, broadband access is essential. With libraries closed it has become so much harder without your own connection.

Broadband is no longer a luxury, it’s something we all need access to, especially those looking to rebuild their lives in the wake of the pandemic. Recent research by Citizens Advice found that about 2.3 million people had fallen behind on their broadband bill.

So if you find yourself in this position, here are some things that you can consider doing:

Lockdown buddies PUPIlS at Cameley Church of england Primary School were in for a surprise when they turned up to find the school’s PTA were giving Buddy Bears to each of the pupils and staff.

The bears, all wearing a Cameley T-shirt, are to keep the children company whilst they are working remotely at home or are at school, but missing their friends. head teacher, hannah Maggs said: “On our return to school the bears should live happily at home

• If you can’t pay your mobile, phone, internet or TV bill you should be able to get help from most providers, so contact them and ask what they can do to help.

• If your provider won't help you, you might be able to switch to a different provider or find a bundle or combination deal.

• If you work for the NhS your provider might be able to give you extra help. Contact your provider and ask what they can do to help.

You can access free, independent and confidential advice from Citizens Advice in Mendip.

Following government advice, our offices are currently closed for face-to-face sessions, but please visit our website www.citizensadvicemendip.org.uk for details of how to email us.

Alternatively, you can contact our free Somerset Adviceline on 0808 27 87 842 open Monday-Friday, 10am-4pm.

Citizens Advice Mendip is an independent charity which receives no government funding. If you would like to donate and help to continue their work locally, please visit their website to use the Donate button or to email them.

Ian Byworth, chief executive Citizens Advice Mendip

as a memento of persevering in this difficult and trying time.”

The school has been discussing children’s mental health during the pandemic. She said: “The school has held a wellbeing week, focusing on the ways in which we can be supporting children's mental health throughout this time.

“Activities have included giving the children a stress ball, focusing on mindfulness activities and giving the children extra opportunities to be outside exploring nature.”

Transport chiefs improve links to vaccination centres

BUS operators and community transport providers are working with Somerset County Council to help vulnerable residents get to their Covid vaccination appointments.

While many older and more vulnerable people will be able to attend a location close to their home, some will be relying on public transport.

First West of england are now providing a service every 30 minutes from Wells Bus Station via Shepton Mallet terminating at the Royal Bath and West Showground, where one of the county’s mass vaccination centres is operating, seven days a week, providing connections to/from other bus services at both Wells Bus Station and Shepton Mallet Cenotaph. This service is PAGE 34 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

also free for bus pass holders.

Current concessionary bus pass rules have been suspended so these can be used on all public services before 9.30am and the authority is working with Community Transport and Slinky Demand responsive services across Somerset to allow free travel for bus pass holders when attending vaccination appointments.

John Woodman, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Many older and more vulnerable people don’t drive or have access to a car.

Community transport services across our county are already doing an amazing job helping people get to their vaccinations and I’d like to pay tribute to them.

“To support this even further we wanted to see what else we could do for concessionary bus pass holders and those relying on public transport. I’m really pleased we have pulled all this together at short notice, thanks to the co-operation and support of our bus operators.”

Karen Prosser, Programme Director for the Somerset vaccination programme, said: “It is very important that people come forward for a vaccination when they are invited and we are delighted that these transport measures have been put in place to support this further. This vaccination programme is a partnership effort and I thank everyone who is supporting this vital programme across our county.”

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Snow-cially distanced fun

TheRe was no hiding the fact that waking up to snowfall on a Sunday morning in January brought smiles to the faces of many lockdown families on Mendip.

Whilst travelling on the roads had brought challenges overnight and into the morning, it was certainly a day for sledges, snowball fights and snowmen – all socially-distanced.

MENDIP V CORONAVIRUS

Life goes on, despite the weather.

The snowman is holding an antivaccine protest slogan

Fun near Doulting

A wintry scene in Shepton Mallet’s Collett Park Teresa and fouryear-old son Rufus

Reaching the bottom of the slope

The village fountain at Dulcote

Vicar’s Close in Wells MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 35

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MENDIP TIMES

Village answers laptop appeal

PeOPle in Temple Cloud have answered a call to help local children with home schooling by donating tablets, laptops or iPads. local councillor, David Wood (pictured) put out an appeal on Facebook and the first devices have gone to Cameley School.

Cllr Wood said: “I’m schooling my four-year-old at home and know how we would struggle without a tablet to attend online classes and access the other amazing resources.”

School head, hannah Maggs, said: “During lockdown, children are required to undertake remote learning from home. Without access to these devices this can be challenging so the donations have made a huge difference to the families who have received them.”

Cllr Wood is still appealing for more.

Details: humphrestonhouse@gmail.com

Club steps in to point the way

Rotary boost for Paulton

Club president Jackie Partridge (left) presents a cheque to the larder’s Kayleigh Paul watched by (l:r) club treasurer Phil Edmonds (a Paulton resident), and parish councillors Liz Hardman and Grant Johnson

SOMeR Valley Rotary Club has stepped in to support Paulton’s village larder and its swimming pool with muchneeded donations.

After an initial £200 donation to the larder – set up in the porch of Paulton Methodist Church by Kayleigh Paul after the closure of the village’s food bank – made before Christmas, the club has pledged to donate £50 per month for the rest of the year.

Jackie Partridge, club president, said: “This is an excellent project helping many people to survive this terrible pandemic and I am pleased we are able to make a substantial contribution.”

Meanwhile, the club has donated £500 to Paulton Pool to help cover the cost of overheads whilst it is closed due to the lockdown. The donation was made in memory of Kelvin Juba, a past president of the club, who championed the pool as a community asset. Kelvin passed away in October last year.

The swimming pool team has been forced to put its fundraising efforts to help build disabled changing rooms and a multi-function room on hold.

Rotary club members in the Somer Centre car park

MeMBeRS of the Rotary Club of Midsomer Norton and Radstock swung into action when an appeal went out for signposts to direct people to the new Somer Centre Covid vaccination centre just off Midsomer Norton town centre.

Within 24 hours, the club had arranged for 12 signs to be printed and put up around town as a steady flow of visitors began to arrive for their jabs. The club has now volunteered to help greet visitors at the centre.

PAGE 36 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

Nicola Phillips, from Paulton Pool (left) receives a cheque for £500 from Jackie

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Back to nature during lockdown

IT was time to wrap up warm and get outdoors when Chew Stoke Church School ran its first ever forest school sessions.

They were for the children of key workers in reception and years 1 and 2, led by ellie Milton, a higher level teaching assistant, who completed her forest schools accredited training during the autumn term. head teacher, Ben hewett, said: “It develops confidence and self-esteem through learner inspired, hands-on experiences in a natural setting. Over the coming months all of the children in the school will have the opportunity to experience forest school.”

Annie in Year 1 said: “It is the best part of my week, I enjoy getting muddy and loved it when we made bird feeders.”

In the future the school is hoping to run some sessions for the Chew Stoke toddler group who meet at the school once a week.

MENDIP V CORONAVIRUS

Grant launches appeal

lABOUR councillor for Paulton, Grant Johnson, has launched a lockdown laptops campaign targeted at getting disused laptops into the hands of “struggling” families. he said: “We all want our children to grow up with a decent education and we cannot allow anyone to miss out because they haven’t got the equipment available to make that a reality.”

Richard Stelling, the tech guru behind the project said: “Thousands of ageing laptops and tablets are gathering dust in drawers all across Somerset. If just a fraction could be repurposed and given a new life as a home learning machine, we could help hundreds of families in our community.”

Once sanitised and prepared, the laptops will be offered to local schools and delivered to children who need them.

Details: 07866 769506 or email lockdown.laptops.nes@gmail.com

Hall trustees welcome rugby club’s family help scheme

BATh Rugby Foundation is using Camerton Community hall as its base for a project to help families suffering from the economic impact of lockdown.

Its Family Activity Box is aimed at helping to reduce anxiety for families during the current difficult time by providing weekly food provisions, activity ideas, resources and consistent support.

The foundation team and volunteers have been busy making up food parcels, then taking them out and about in the community. All the pre-packed meals are cooked at the Camerton hall by Sara of “live learn Cook”, who also organises children and adult cooking classes at the venue.

Bryn hawkins, one of the hall trustees, said: “So far, the feedback has been amazing from the families, which really shows the importance of the campaign and impact it's having on families.”

One said: “It is helping us so much we have lost more than half of our household income over the last year and the food packs are ensuring we always go to sleep with full tummies and taking care of a worry that is looming over us.”

Bath Rugby Foundation CeO, lynne Fernquest, said: "During a year when we’ve been forced apart, Bath Rugby Foundation’s focus has been to connect people. We know

many families are struggling financially and our FAB campaign has two main objectives, to connect people and provide nutritious food to support a whole family’s physical and mental wellbeing. A wonderful extra is to add a huge dollop of fun to the mix!”

Maximus the Lion – the Bath Rugby mascot – lends a paw at Camerton Community Hall

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 37

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MENDIP TIMES

Villagers spread the love in Stoke St Michael

lOVe is in the air in Stoke St Michael after members of the village school’s Parent Teacher Association decided to bring a little cheer to lockdown in February.

First, the PTA sourced 66 identical teddy bears – with T-shirts saying “Stoke St Michael Primary School lockdown hero 2020-2021” – which were delivered to the homes of every child in the pre-school and primary school.

Then the PTA came up with a plan to brighten up people’s walks around the village.

Families were encouraged to display hearts in the windows of their homes or in their gardens and driveways for others to spot on their daily exercise. The idea followed the success of previous trails around the village, Covidcompliant Ve Day celebrations and even Glastonbury Festival-themed street gatherings.

PTA member Charlotte Corbett said: “The hearts give

An upstairs window of one house

The treats are on us!

MeMBeRS of Midsomer Norton and Radstock Inner Wheel Club decided to give users of the Somer Valley Foodbank something to smile about.

The club’s monthly contributions to the foodbank have formed an important part of its focus on local charities and, after reviewing the pressures brought by both Covid-19 restrictions and Christmas, members decided an enhanced contribution would help.

Club funds were allocated to buy not only the basic essentials but also more cheerful produce such as sweets and biscuits.

Ex-president Sue Hopkins (right) and committee member Elaine Muir worked together to purchase the extras and are seen here before delivering them to the foodbank

PAGE 38 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

Just one of the many “Spread the Love” displays around Stoke St Michael

people something to look out for and to bring a smile to their faces.”

Fellow member lucy Stott added: “The children were delighted with their teddy bears and we’ve received some wonderful thank you messages.”

Alun Stewart, who put up Spread the love bunting along with hearts in his garden, added: “As it was February, hearts seemed the appropriate symbol to use. It’s been great fun.”

Loving it! Youngsters Lily, Lily and Willow with mums Lucy Stott and Charlotte Corbett and Alun Stewart outside his house

Coronavirus feature.qxp_Layout 1 18/02/2021 13:17 Page 39

Business receives more than £12m in support grants

AlMOST 2000 businesses across Bath and North east Somerset, which were forced to close as a result of the third national lockdown, have received more than £12m in support grants.

As of February 10th, Bath & North east Somerset Council had processed 1,825 applications and paid out a total of £11m in support grants and £1.4m in discretionary awards to local businesses forced to close on January 5th.

The council has written to a further 115 companies asking for further details to support their claim. New claims are being received daily and the council is working to process these as quickly as possible while ensuring they meet eligibility criteria.

Councillor Richard Samuel, deputy leader and cabinet member for Resources, said: “We know these grants are a lifeline to many businesses forced to close as a result of lockdown and we are processing the applications as quickly as possible. “last month we emailed 1,600 businesses who’d previously received a local Restrictions Support Grant to let them know them know that they could reapply for more financial assistance.

If you have not applied for a grant before and you think you may be eligible, please apply as soon as possible. If you would like some help and advice with your application, then contact Our Invest in Bath team.”

Details: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19latest-information-and-advice/help-businesses

Network helps kids to get online

MeMBeRS of Wells Coronavirus Network have helped to collect 35 unwanted laptops in the space of just a few days to help local children with home schooling.

The laptops for junior schools initiative is a partnership between the WCN and the City of Wells lions Club.

The first repurposed laptops have been delivered to St Cuthbert’s Junior and Stoberry Park schools. helen Mullinger, head of St Cuthbert’s Junior School, said: “This is the Wells community working at its best. May I give a big thank you to the Wells Coronavirus Network, the lions and of course the laptop’s donor.”

Michael hawkins, head teacher at Stoberry said: “This is absolutely brilliant. Thank you for your support. About half of our 300 pupils are in school. We received some laptops from the government but needed 30 more.”

The volunteers are collecting laptops from donors and taking them to Microbitz and Wellscope where they are being repurposed for use by the school children.

To donate, call 0345 833 6736 and ask for the Lions, email cityofwellslions@gmail.com or call the Wells Coronavirus Network helpline on 01749 467079

MENDIP V CORONAVIRUS

Covid affects poorer producers

A COUPle from Chew Stoke are concerned that Covid-19 has badly affected Fairtrade companies like Traidcraft, which rely on goods being sold by contacts at fundraising events in the UK. Jonathan and Judith longhurst have been selling Traidcraft goods for well over 20 years, usually at Chew

Stoke’s monthly soup lunches.

Mr longhurst said: “In these difficult Covid-19 times soup lunches and coffee mornings, where we used to sell, have stopped. Many people have turned to buying more things online and Fairtrade is no exception, so may we encourage you to have a look at the wide range of items at www.traidcraftshop.co.uk as well as looking out for the Fairtrade mark on goods in local stores and in supermarkets.”

The couple are pictured selling Traidcraft goods at one of Chew Stoke’s monthly soup lunches last March, just before lockdown.

Funding boost for children’s charity

GlASTONBURY charity Children’s World has been awarded £45,000 from the Coronavirus Community Support Fund, distributed by The National lottery Community Fund, which they will use to run a new project called Creative Community.

The project has also received £4,000 from Comic Relief Covid19 Community Fund (england) via Groundwork UK and £2,500 from the Wessex Water Recovery Fund via the Somerset Community Foundation.

Charity director, Kristen lindop, said: “We are thrilled to have received these generous grants and can’t wait to start working alongside our community of Somerset families and organisations and children and young people to design, develop and deliver new types of the performance-based activities that Children’s World is famous for.

“Our community is likely to face issues due to the pandemic for some time, so it is brilliant news that we will be able to work alongside the people we support, to make sure we provide the fun and educational activities that they will get the most out of.”

Children’s World will be asking families and young people across Somerset to take part in the project at every step of the way and will start consulting with them this month, using questionnaires, social media and meetings.

Details: www.childrensworldcharity.org

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 39

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MENDIP TIMES

What was history – still is the present

THE MENDIP SOCIETY

“If this happens we shall have sold our birthright for a mess of pottage” THIS month marks a change for the society, apart from winter turning into spring that is: at our AGM in March we say goodbye to our chairman of the past five years, Richard Frost. He feels that it is time for some new hands to take up the reins, but we will be sad to see him leave the role he has carried out so ably.

He, like us all, is well locked down and feeling the lack of our popular walking programme, of which he is a regular leader.

Right now his uppermost thought is: “I can’t wait to get out and tackle Sue Gearing’s new countryside walks in Mendipity.”

The subject of our countryside is uppermost in our minds; we are after all committed to the protection and preservation of the Mendip area by our constitution. Since our founding as The Mendip Preservation Society in 1965, we have always been vocal against the encroachment of us humans, with all our paraphernalia, into the green areas of the Mendip Hills.

In our very first newsletter in 1967 we recorded that our efforts, together with many other bodies in the halting of quarrying on Crook Peak, were “crowned

with success”. As one member, Mr Hunter, told the inquiry: “We have got to get away from this sacred Victorian idea that everything done in the name of big business is all right.

“Beauty is worth paying for and we have to put our hands in our pockets; if this (quarry expansion) happens we shall have sold our birthright for a mess of pottage.”

Years later, in April 1974, an article on planning appeared. It opened with: “The society continues to express its concern to the local planning authority on all applications it feels may be detrimental.

This involves development within villages, where our particular concern is architectural style and increased density of building and also development outside villages ...”

Now, in spite of numerous White and Green Papers, reports, statements, expert advice, Parliamentary Acts and speeches by prime ministers (the latest one stating there are plenty of brownfield sites throughout the country to meet all housing needs and that there is therefore no need to destroy any of our precious countryside), planning applications to build thousands of urban style housing estates, mostly in the countryside on green field sites located outside development boundaries, are continuing to be submitted and approved.

The mistakes of the last 60 years are being constantly replicated. Do we not appreciate that once our valuable COLD COMFORT agricultural land is built on, then it's lost forever? How are future This old world has seen it all before, generations – and this applies the As frosted are white trees with rime and hoar, whole world over with populations When knowledge of disease was vague, being now so entwined – going to It came, in fear they’d say the plague. feed themselves? And did you notice that there were no less than five Experience shows that it will pass, articles in the last month’s Mendip Snow will melt that slowly falls on grass, Times pointing this out?

In ancient times they had no rest, In these circumstances, The For them, it was survival of the best.

Mendip Society, all likeminded bodies and all who care about the Let’s thank the Lord we’re born so late, preservation of our countryside, We’re not left to their painful fate, architectural heritage and indeed our While winter’s here with frosts that bite, planet earth, must remain actively Our lockdown brings relief into sight. vigilant. We urge everyone to submit objections to your local planning We’ll be singing, bells will peal, authority, explaining clearly why The truth is always, time will heal, you do not agree with damaging It’s living through it that’s been hell, planning applications.

With fingers crossed, we’ll all stay well.

Describe the damage large, poorly

Primroses – many visitors' favourite flower in our reserve

designed developments cause to the Mendip Hills AONB, our countryside and the character of our towns and villages.

Highlight how the infrastructure is insufficiently robust to cope with large increases in population and traffic.

Don’t let history go on repeating itself until there is nothing left to protect.

On another saddening topic – the ongoing work continues to clear ash trees which have been felled after they have succumbed to Chalara or ash dieback, because they are now a danger to people.

This shows up the pressure our hills are under when the very environment has its own epidemic to contend with.

We remain thankful to the AONB, Somerset Wildlife Trust and others for the valuable works they are doing and we are working with the partnership they have formed to replace the denuded areas with new planting; this is alongside the government scheme to plant millions of new trees to combat the climate crisis.

Funds from our Heritage Grant Scheme are available for this valuable work. We are also planning to collaborate with the Ramblers Association’s latest initiative to save The Lost Ways of the UK, including those here on Mendip; those not registered as Rights of Way by 2026 will disappear forever.

In spite of all this “doom and gloom” which has surrounded us for such a long time, people are resilient, finding many ways to dispel the darkness and dread which grips us sometimes – one such way is to put your thoughts down on paper, perhaps in a poem such as this one, which was sent to us by Alan Litten.

Another way is to enjoy the flowers which still appear for us in spite of everything; pictured above are early primroses in Slader’s Leigh Meadow, a favourite spring flower for us and many of our visitors.

Richard Frost & Judith Tranter

For details of all events visit www.themendipsociety.org.uk and Facebook ‘The Mendip Society’

PAGE 40 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

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Small space rewilding

The toad – in a hole without the help of volunteer crossing patrols

IT is always lovely to receive correspondence from readers about articles.

In the last couple of months I’ve also been told about individuals who have been inspired by those in which I’ve mentioned new community wildlife groups.

I now know of two new such groups and

By CHRIS all my hopes and best wishes go out to SPERRING MBE them. Never forget that help is always close-by if you need it!

The group that I set up in my home area is really going from strength to strength and genuinely making a difference, already influencing decision-makers and achieving action on the ground.

We’re all still locked in, so-to-speak, but spring is really on the way and it’s quite noticeable between the cold snaps that the birds are finally starting to sing for real now, as opposed to just warming up their songs.

Wild garlic is pushing through the leaf littered woodland floor and some purple violets and primrose are out. Depending on the temperature, insects should soon become more noticeable with increasing sightings of bumblebees and maybe even the odd brimstone butterfly by the end of March.

If you have small bird boxes in your gardens or on your walks, watch for the first bird inspections taking place. As I write this (on February the 13th), great tits are already exploring a box in our garden, which luckily was cleaned out over a week ago (phew!).

Also depending on the temperature, as February turns into March, many of the birds that nest in hedges or scrub may have already begun nest building. So if you’re contemplating cutting or trimming hedges then please spare a thought for these birds and get the job done before they start.

Some species of bird only get one go at nesting each year so successfully raising their offspring could be make or break for

WILDLIFE

them. Every nest that produces chicks should be considered a celebration.

Maybe now is the time, if you really want to help with the nature recovery effort, to look at your own garden again with a view to allowing some of it to rewild. There’s an amazing amount of information on the internet about small space rewilding.

This article from the Guardian has some ideas: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/may/30/ “How to rewild your garden: ditch chemicals and decorate the concrete”.

One easy thing we can do is not to weed out the dandelions!

Dandelions are such a valued food source for so many species.

The Victorians used to value the dandelion, too, often allowing it to grow on lawns. That may be because they ate it, and made some lovely wine with it, but at least they were that bit closer to nature than we are.

We can, of course, regain that close relationship with nature very quickly with each little bit we do for it. That could make us far healthier in mind and body, and more ready to face the challenges of a post pandemic Britain.

Lastly, another big thing happening outside at the moment is the annual migration of amphibians back to their traditional breeding places. Frogs, toads and newts are all making their way back to their ponds via old-established routes, many of which have to cross busy roads. Sadly many are squashed every year on their way back to their ponds to breed.

But there are bands of people who give up their spare time at this time of year to save the amphibians’ lives by patrolling the roadsides just after dark and literally collecting the animals in buckets to give them a safe crossing.

So please, if you’re driving at these times and see toad or frog patrol crossing signs, slow down and give these heroes a chance to help our amphibians recover their numbers. Well done to all that take part in this work.

I have resumed giving talks again but only online, so if your groups want to book me for a talk please message me through my Walks and Talks page on Facebook @ChrisSperringwildlife

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 41

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MENDIP TIMES

Escape the mud on this Portishead circle

I AM taking you this month to a very different environment along the Severn Estuary and I have designed it to be good underfoot – so no more tiring mud and wet! So, welcome to this very varied circle from Portishead which combines a leisure marina, commercial docks, a wildlife reserve and a high density living area. It takes in a walk along the Severn estuary

by Portishead Lake Grounds and then up through woods or along the side before dropping down to the state-of-the-art lifeboat station and the fascinating Marina and Port Marine, fashioned out of the old docks and industrial area.

We continue along the estuary through Portbury Nature Reserve with wonderful views across the Bristol Channel to rocky Denny Island, Wales and to Portbury

Docks ahead. Watch the shipping as it makes its way to and from port. To finish we circle back to Port Marine development in Portishead and follow the marina edge. There are lots of refreshment options, if open, particularly at the marina.

Apart from going uphill through East Wood near the start, if you choose that option, the going is virtually flat and free of too much wet and mud. It is not a very rural ramble but is beautiful, exhilarating and interesting. You won’t be alone, particularly at weekends, but there should be plenty of room for social distancing.

surface path. Reach a notice board about Battery Point East Wood and Nature Reserve.

PARK: Portishead Lake Grounds, where there is a cafe and toilets.

3. ROYAL INN It is a symbol of public enterprise, and thought to be the only seaside hotel built by a public authority in Britain during the 19th century. Bristol Corporation built it in 1830 as part of the aim of developing a seaside resort near Bristol. This site was chosen for the hotel because of its amazing views. Until the pier was finished in 1868, visitors arrived by steamer and were taken ashore by rowing boat. It is now a popular family-run pub with a large garden overlooking the Channel.

Drop down steps to the Portishead Lifeboat Station, opened in 2015.

Continue along the edge where the earliest housing development for the marina took place and go along past Portishead Pier towards the entrance to the docks and marina.

Please be aware of Covid restrictions before setting off and if necessary keep the details and do the walk at a later date.

START: Head to the edge of the estuary and turn right, already getting great views across to Wales. Continue all the way along soon nearing the headland and the 30ft lighthouse just off Portishead or Battery Point built on a metal pyramid.

Reach the highly coloured outdoor pool and go up steps on the left side.

With Sue Gearing PAGE 42 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

1. BATTERY POINT This leads you up to Battery Point headland and a good viewing point to watch shipping along the estuary. There is an interesting information board. Out in the estuary is tiny, rocky Denny Island (same name as the island in Chew Valley Lake!). Continue on and pick up the hard

2. EAST WOOD CHOICES: 1. You can go up steps into East Wood and continue on up more steps after crossing a road; then carry on along the good path on the narrow wooded ridge to the end. Take steps down to reach the road. Turn left and soon arrive at the back of the Royal Inn, formerly the Royal Hotel.

2. Leave out the hill: follow a path left in the wood and stay round fairly near the edge until you join a quiet lane and continue on this with the estuary on your left, going alongside some of the well sited homes. This leads to the Royal.

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4. MARINA This area has seen colossal change over the last few years from industrial to leisure and housing. The former deep-water dock, used to supply coal and goods to the power stations, also had an oil refinery and a large Albright and Wilson phosphorus works. It has been fully redeveloped into a modern marina with 250 pontoon berths, shops and restaurants, surrounded by a large housing development.

Cross the marina by the dock gates and on the other side go left and continue along the estuary. Pass dramatic pillars and at a metal animal sculpture, turn left on a small path leading down to the open estuary edge and the salt marsh flanking Portbury Nature Reserve.

5. SALT MARSH Follow the bank, with reed beds down on your right, or walk along the flat. There should be plenty of room to find a dry route.

This 150-acre wetland nature reserve between Portishead and Portbury is a great habitat for hawks, owls, water birds, warblers and many breeds of birds that arrive from near and far to nest here. This was known as Portbury Ashlands.

6. TOWER HIDE Reach a tower hide on the right and turn off the salt marsh and head down the hard track inland through the nature reserve. Or you may like to go on along the bank a bit further to see over right across the ponds in the reserve.

The track is known as Water Vole Lane referring to the big programme of vole protection that has been carried out.

Reach pylons with a large electricity compound up right and here turn left on the track which soon bends right. There is an information board about the project to bring power from the new Hinkley Point reactors across country through here, and

WALKING

OS Explorer Map 154, Bristol West & Portishead, grid ref: 46469 77163, postcode BS20 7JE. 5.4 miles, about 3 hours walking.

information about conservation projects.

The black plastic fencing compounds you pass along here are part of a huge ecological survey to reduce destruction to wildlife through the Hinkley Connection Project.

Pass ponds and another bird hide and go through a red metal kissing gate leading onto the end of Wharf Lane.

7. WHARF LANE There may be puddles here for a short distance. Continue on and at a small car parking area on the right, turn right on the marked track. This wends its way across open country. You will spot bird hides and owl nesting boxes high on posts. The reserve and hides cannot be accessed during Covid-19 restrictions. Eventually reach a gate at a junction with a hard track, going through a cycle friendly barrier. You are heading back towards Port Marine development.

8. BOARDWALK Go along a boardwalk by ponds and at a fork, stay to the right. Reach a pond with swans in Portishead Ecological Park.

Shortly, as you approach the edge of the development up ahead, turn right up steps up the bank.

9. BANK Then turn right on the path along the top of the bank with houses of Port Marine on your left. Go through by posts and turn right on a Tarmac pedestrian footway. Soon you should have views over the reserve.

The path curves left and reaches a residential road (Bunting Lane). For the next few minutes we will weave our way through the edge of the development. So, turn right on Bunting Lane (signed at the

end) and at a T junction turn right again.

Cross a side road, Fieldfare Avenue, and keep straight on. At a junction with Wren Gardens go right and follow it round to the left. Then don’t bend left again. Keep on, by posts, to the perimeter path.

Here turn left along the path and follow it all the way back to where you were earlier, staying over right. Go past the pillar sculptures and the metal animal by the path you took to the salt marsh. Eventually reach the marina again.

10. MOORINGS Cross once more near the dock gates and then turn left with the marina on your left passing the many yachts and craft moored here. l If the dock gates are open you may have to stay on this side of the marina and then bend round at the end up to No.11 “School”.

Pass the end of the moored craft. And near the end of the marina where a marina wall juts out, pass a small compound for gigs on the right. Then turn right on a hard path passing a sign for Portishead Primary School.

11. SCHOOL Turn right again through the parking area and by the school building cross Station Road. Head uphill up Beech Road East.

Stay on this after going over a crossing road, passing some of the Victorian houses in Portishead, very different from Port Marine. Cross another side road and keep on in Beach Road West. Then cross Battery Road and finally turn right down Rodmore Road to the Lake Grounds. l NB: There may be some closures of footpaths on March 4th/5th due to the Hinkley work.

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 43

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MENDIP TIMES

OUTDOORS

West Countryman’s diary

WHEN that “Easty Beasty” blows it can really bite. On Mendip top there is nothing to stop the chill air as it sweeps in from the Russian steppes. It can With LES go down to -10ºC on DAVIES MBE Black Down, which if you are not dressed for it, can literally be a killer. Hypothermia is not just something that happens on a mountain or the middle of a desolate moor. It can happen in the “everyday”.

Like many others, I work outside and when the warm weather comes we take a great deal of satisfaction knowing we have spent all winter earning this good weather.

Being cold is not a pleasant experience.

Neither is it character building as I was once told!

Today’s clothing is miles ahead of that worn by some of the earlier explorers and adventures. I only have to look at the pictures taken of the ill-fated Shackleton expedition to see the extremes they had to deal with and the kit and equipment they had. Time then to get out the walking kit and even look at the car to make sure you have some back-up measures in place should you need them.

There is still plenty of time for more snow on Mendip. I have always found that if it’s coming it will come in March and it doesn’t take a heavy fall to block the roads.

With a good easterly wind behind it, the snow drifts over the stone walls and into the road. Before long it’s trapped and can do nothing but become deeper.

In snowy or icy weather, try to stay on the main roads because those will be kept clear. Please avoid the sight-seeing trip by taking to the lanes. Those who work on Mendip will need to get to livestock in the fields and get about their business of survival.

If you have to make a journey put a few extras in the car. I always carry a sleeping bag in the winter. If the forecast isn’t good in goes a snow shovel and a tin of baked beans with a spoon. I normally carry enough food to feed a small army, so the flask of hot tea or coffee is ever present.

Even my everyday food has a “get me home sandwich” for the end of the day. A chocolate bar can give that added boost – that is, of course, if you have the willpower to save it!

Don’t forget your rucksack if you are out for a walk. You might only be out for a while, but the hot flask and something to eat can make a big difference. I carry a high-viz waistcoat in the side pocket of the sack in case I need to wear it in a “must be seen” situation.

Also attached to the back of the sack is a red strobe light. They are cheap enough and with a white one on the front strap you can be seen on the road. Never trust a sunny day on Mendip which means carrying waterproof gear even if it isn’t raining or snowing. I have just re-proofed mine and replaced my leaking walking boots.

Most body heat loss occurs through the head, so it makes sound sense to be wearing a hat. Woolly bobble, fur trapper, flat cap, it doesn’t really matter so long as it keeps you warm. One bit of kit I have found to be invaluable is the neck tube.

They have come into their own with the need for face covering as well as resembling the Balaclava helmet so well known to us men of a certain age.

The knitted Balaclava was something your mother would make you wear so that you could be humiliated by all your mates at school. The originals kept those frozen Victorian soldiers warm in the Crimean war. I meanwhile have been looking like something from the eastern front during WW2, with the neck tube pulled over my head and the chain saw helmet on top.

I tell myself this is not a fashion parade and after all who is going to be anywhere near me in the orchard, especially with social distancing!

Don’t forget the gloves for your hands and extra socks in your boots. Layering is important. Better several layers of thinner clothing that will trap the warm air than a single layer of heavy material. After all you may wish to layer down a little if it gets

warm and that can’t be done with just one or two heavy garments.

Cold hands are so very painful. Even with gloves the fingers can suffer, so put them under your armpits which is one of the warmest part of the body, or swing your arms around to encourage blood circulation.

All this talk of winter weather and not a mention of what to keep in your kitchen cupboard in case you can’t get out. I always have the ubiquitous tin of beans and sausages, spaghetti, corned beef and cracker biscuits. Dried milk is also a handy standby, especially if you get caught out when your milk has turned into cottage cheese over night.

There will also be a CBBC (Can’t Be Bothered to Cook) meal in the freezer when I need it. It’s at times like this when all my survival training kicks in and I sit by the fire with a can of beer and look at the bad weather through the window.

Having said all this about cold weather, no doubt by the time you read this the sun will have come out and spring will have arrived!

I have had lots of pleasing comments about last month’s poem, Sanctuary from George Withers. I also believe that a few copies of it are now hanging on the walls of indoor toilets with levels of comfort far removed from that mentioned in his toilet humour. Thanks again to all the Withers family and friends who provided me with the material that has enabled me to pay tribute to both Percy and George.

They will be having a rest from the column of West Countryman’s Diary for a while, but will no doubt be popping up again in the not too distant future.

Finally this month’s photo is a sunset like a bonfire. Taken on one of those evenings when it had stopped raining, the setting sun set the sky ablaze!

You can always contact me through my website: Westcountryman.co.uk

PAGE 44 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

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MENDIP TIMES

Let the good bugs attack the bad bugs

As more and more pesticides are removed from the shelves in garden centres, gardeners will need, quite rightly, to turn to more environmentally friendly forms of pest control. The horticultural industry has been turning to a much greater use of biological control of some pests for many With MARY years and adopting Integrated Pest PAYNE MBE Management (IPM) using a combination of safe pesticides and biological control to keep problems at bay. sharp-eyed visitors to many garden centres in spring may spot small packages dotted around the plants, especially in the bedding plant display areas. These are introducing predators to gobble up greenfly or other pests you would not wish to take home. You are getting added value as you may well be taking home a useful predator!

Biological control has many advantages over chemical pesticides. Your plants are not damaged and the good bugs are host specific so will not become a problem to other creatures. They are ideal for use on food crops and the bad bugs do not develop a resistance to the good bugs, as can happen with pesticides.

In recent years, the range of pests controllable by biological means has widened considerably. Basically, it involves the introduction of either a parasitic insect that lays its eggs in the pest leading to death, or predators which wander around gobbling up your pest. A third approach involves transmitting a fatal bacterial disease to the pest via a suitable vector. All sounds a bit like science fiction, but it really works.

Many different products are now available on the amateur market and can be very effective if the conditions are right. so, it is vital to read the instructions and important to realise that these beneficial creatures are alive and have a limited shelf-life. Each one has its own conditions under which it works most effectively and this usually involves a limited temperature range. Between April and september is the ideal time for most when used outdoors.

The pests that plague every garden are slugs and snails. slug pellets based on metaldehyde have now been withdrawn leaving us the ones based on ferric phosphate, but you may care to try the biological approach. This uses an eelworm, or nematode, a microscopic worm-like creature, which transfers a fatal bacterial disease to the slugs.

These good bugs are applied as a drench to the soil. They have a limited effect on snails which tend to live above ground, while the nematode lives in the soil, so only slugs that go underground by day are affected by it. Different species of nematodes are used for the control of leatherjackets and chafer grubs in lawns in a similar fashion.

It is important to keep the lawn or compost moist during the treatment period as the nematodes need water to get about. These are best applied in the late summer/autumn when the soil temperatures are still warmish.

The second most hated pest in the garden is vine weevil.

The weevil larvae have a devastating effect on plants, especially those in pots, when the small creamy coloured grubs eat the roots. several different species of nematodes can be used as a drench to the soil and pots, ideally during the late summer to control the larvae, but again it is vital to PAGE 46 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

keep the pots really moist so that the nematodes can move around and search out the grubs.

A similar product can be used against the larvae of fungus flies. These are tiny flies that often hover around trays of seedlings or pots especially if they are rather too wet.

Alternatively, easing back on the watering will help no end.

For owners of greenhouses, growing perhaps tomatoes and cucumbers, the use of parasites and predators can be extremely successful. Glasshouse red spider mite on cucumbers and other plants can be a real problem, but two predatory mites are excellent at controlling them.

Amblyseius is ideal for spring use when temperatures are lower, whilst Phytoseiulus is ideal for high summer. Either should be introduced as soon as there are signs of an infestation.

I regularly use these good bugs with great success.

Tomatoes regularly suffer from glasshouse whitefly. Tiny white mothlike flies take off in clouds when the foliage is disturbed. A tiny parasitic wasp, Encarsia, is introduced and lays its eggs in the immature scales of the whitefly. The scales turn black when parasitised giving an excellent indication of the good deed that the bug is doing.

Greenfly and other aphids have several natural predators including wasps, lacewings, earwigs, ladybirds and of course blue tits. Outdoors in our gardens another native tiny parasitic wasp is at work laying its eggs in the bodies of aphids. The greenfly body changes to a buff colour as the wasp larvae develops and the new adult emerges leaving an empty shell. If you find these empty bodies then leave well alone. These “good guys” can be introduced to greenhouses if necessary.

Another approach to biological control is to use pheromone traps to lure the male pest to a sticky end. This method uses the scent of the female sex hormone for each different species to trap the male on a sticky platform so that he cannot mate with females. These traps are available for an increasingly wide range of pests including codling moth (the grub inside apples), plum moth (grub inside plum), tortrix moth (leaves folded with webbing), pea moth (small grub in pods) and box caterpillar (foliage devastation).

They are unlikely to give total control, but can reduce infestations to a more acceptable level and it is possible to see the level of infestation around by the number of adults stuck to the trap.

Biological control is going on all around us in the natural world and is increasingly being encouraged in agriculture and horticulture. All the “good bugs” are available online or increasingly at many garden centres. Give it a go and help save our planet.

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GARDENING

MARCH GARDEN TIPS

• Cut dogwoods (Cornus alba types) and willows (salix) that are grown for brightly coloured winter stems down to almost ground level now. This encourages young new shoots that always have the best colour.

• Protect newly emerging clematis shoots from attack from snails, especially those growing low down.

• Prune most roses now, (climbing, rambling and shrub roses are best pruned in summer after the main flush of flower).

• start spraying roses for blackspot, rust and aphids as soon as the leaves appear. Early spraying is essential!

• There is still time to transplant evergreen shrubs before it is too late but remember to disturb the roots as little as possible and keep as much soil attached to them as you can.

• If you haven’t done it already, prune buddlejas back to about waist height and trim lavateras (tree mallows) back to healthy new shoots.

• Prune hardy fuchsias back to strong new shoots. Tidy up straggly penstemons. Give them all a feed with Vitax Q4.

• Prune late flowering shrubs back hard now. Caryopteris, Ceratostigma, Perovskia, hardy fuchsia, deciduous Ceanothus, Hydrangea paniculata types and lavatera.

• If you grow Eucalyptus for its ‘blue foliage’, you should cut it back hard now. The golden Catalpa and purple Cotinus too. leaves are more dramatic after a hard prune.

• Prune side shoots on winter flowering Jasmine back hard.

‘Japonicas’ (Chaenomeles) can be cut back when they finish flowering too. This gives time for next year’s buds to form.

A helping hand in Pensford

EMIlY Carboni has taken charge of Pensford’s planters while liz Jones is on maternity leave and has had her young daughter, Izzy, “helping” her.

The first two planters were set up at the entrance to Pensford last March, filled with bulbs and flowers, and three others have now been installed around the village, with two in front of the village lockup. There are plans for more on Pensford Bridge.

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Showroom open 8am-5pm Mon-Fri 8am-12noon Sat MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 47

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MENDIP TIMES

All systems “Yeo” for Chelsea

A unique experience of four shops in one: landscaping, building, water gardening and gardening

Nailsea Patio Supplies is a family run business in its 27th year. John and Sandra started with their own haulage company, S & J Transport, 40 years ago – and that is now part of Nailsea Patio Supplies.

They have since been joined by their son, Brian, grandson Dan and granddaughter Sam. Buddy their friendly black Labrador is a more recent addition to the family team, following in the footsteps of their Great Danes, who were popular meeters and greeters. Buddy sometimes also goes out with Dan on his delivery round.

Nailsea Patio Supplies can be found down a country lane that runs parallel with the railway track from Nailsea & Backwell station. On the way down you may see their rescued ponies, donkeys, goats and alpacas.

The family believe in giving old fashioned personal service and advice, for you and your family’s needs.

Sitting: Sandra and John sitting, with Buddy the black Lab. Standing: Dan, who as well as doing the deliveries helps in the shop and yard, Brian, who drives and maintains our delivery lorries, Neil, who supervises the shop and yard, and Sam, who works in sales and helps Sandra with the accounts.

Timberwork Buildings Bespoke buildings to suit you

YEO Valley Organic has become one of the first exhibitors to confirm its commitment to the postponed RHs Chelsea Flower show which will now take place in Sarah and Tom discussing their Chelsea the autumn rather plans last year than May. The company has agreed to adapt its plans and stage a spectacular celebration of autumn colour and biodiversity, inspired by the real Yeo Valley Organic Garden. The show garden will highlight the importance of soil health in reversing climate change and tackling global biodiversity collapse. It has been designed by Tom Massey, who has worked with sarah Mead who runs Yeo Valley with husband Tim. sarah, who designed the actual Yeo Valley Organic Garden, said: “We fully support the RHs’s decision to postpone the show until later in the autumn. It feels sensible and understandable given the continued uncertainty about the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions in london and elsewhere this spring. We’re confident we can successfully adapt our plans and stage a fabulous seasonal garden in september.” l The Yeo Valley Organic Garden will open its gates to visitors again in April, Covid-19 restrictions permitting.

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We specialise in the manufacture of quality standard and bespoke garden buildings to suit your individual needs including:-

WORKSHOPS/GARAGES GARDEN SHEDS SHELTERS & STABLES PLAYHOUSES Let our dedicated team assist you in your choice whatever your budget . . . Full design, installation and delivery service available – customise your shed to suit your needs

We also do: Chicken Houses Dog Kennels • Bin & Log Stores YOU ARE WELCOME TO VISIT US AND SEE OUR SHOW MODELS – OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

THE TIMBERYARD • SHUTE SHELVE • CROSS • NEAR AXBRIDGE Tel: 01934 732 396 • www.timberworkbuildings.co.uk e.mail: timberbuildings@aol.com

PAGE 48 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

Now stocking the Atco range of mowers Behind Shell Garage Winterstoke Road, Weston-super-Mare, North Somerset BS23 2YS

Tel: 01934 626093 www.westongarden.co.uk

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GARDENING

Expert gardening advice

A1 GARDEnInG and Tree surgery ltd. is a merger of D. Berry Countryside Contracting and A1 Gardening and Tree surgery which took place in november 2020. The company provides quality tree surgery, ground and garden maintenance, fencing and turfing to domestic and commercial clients.

It has a number of full-time staff which can be increased if required to cover larger contracts. They offer Avant and operator hire to undertake work in smaller areas with confined access.

Covering the south West area they are fully insured and obligation-free quotes are available for all their work plus guarantees as well.

Dan says they are being approached more frequently about ash dieback and the removal of trees with the disease. He offers advice on removal and also replanting to replace the lost trees.

The company operate COVID-19 secure practices when they are working and safe distancing when dealing with their customers. They are experienced enough and flexible enough to help you get all those jobs on your to do lists done.

01373 832965 Visit: www.mendipmowers.co.uk

Your local Honda dealer, covering Frome (Shepton Mallet, Bruton and Wells)

Fencing

Hedging

Services include: Treework | Stump Grinding Fencing | Turfing | Logs Garden and Ground Maintenance Avant and Operator Hire Stump grinding

We also offer one-off or regular contracts, Domestic and Commercial

Turfing

Contact Dan 07827 328874 or email dan@a1gardening.co.uk web www.a1gardening.co.uk

Treework

Grass cutting & maintenance MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 49

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MENDIP TIMES

Thank you and goodbye!

After 50 years of service GAB will close on April 30th We will miss you but retirement beckons Thank you all for your friendship and support Steve Gale and the team

GARDENING

NGS GARDEN OF THE MONTH

Lower Shalford Farm

lOWER shalford has a fairly large open garden with extensive lawns and wooded surroundings. The garden and woodland have been created since 1983 and works are still in progress on an ad hoc basis. There are thousands of spring bulbs growing in the wooded area blooming in spring, a stream running through with several stone bridges, walled rose/parterre garden, hedged herbaceous garden and several ornamental ponds.

Facilities: light refreshments.

Opening details: saturday, March 20th, 10am-3pm.

Admission: £5, children free.

Address and postcode: shalford lane, Charlton Musgrove, Wincanton BA9 8HE.

The Downs Preparatory School

75 Greenhill Road, Sandford, Winscombe, North Somerset BS25 5PA Tel: 01934 852151 • www.gabgardenmachinery.co.uk

NORTON GREEN GARDEN CENTRE

SEED POTATOES, ONION SETS, SHALLOTS, GARLIC, FLOWER & VEGETABLE SEEDS & SUMMER FLOWERING BULBS

BEAUTIFUL PRIMROSES, POLYANTHUS & POTTED SPRING BULBS TO BRIGHTEN UP THE GARDEN! FULL RANGE OF COMPOST, MANURE, GRO-BAGS, TOPSOIL & DECORATIVE BARK NOW AVAILABLE WELLS ROAD, CHILCOMPTON, RADSTOCK BA3 4RR Telephone: 01761 232137 Open Mon–Sat 10am to 4pm • Closed Sunday PAGE 50 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

some 65 acres wrapped around the Grade II listed Charlton House, with historic garden features, stumpery, pond and greenhouse. In addition, an edible and medicinal bed and wellpresented annual bedding displays framed by beautiful views across open parkland with specimen trees dotted around the estate.

Opening details: Friday, April 9th and saturday, April 10th, 10am-4pm.

Admission: £6, children free.

Address and postcode: Downs school, Wraxall, Bristol Bs48 1PF. BOOKING VISITS All garden visits must be pre-booked through the NGS website to ensure adequate social distancing OTHER GARDENS OPEN FOR THE NGS To see more gardens open for the NGS, see The Yellow Book, or Local County Leaflet, available from local Garden Centres, or go to: https://www.ngs.org.uk

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NEWS

On foot and by bike – new routes proposed NOrtH Somerset Council is inviting the public to have their say as part of a Covid-inspired consultation on proposed cycle and pedestrian routes in Clevedon, Weston-super-Mare, Nailsea and Yatton. the first scheme up for discussion is in Clevedon, where the authority is asking for views on a 20mph speed limit and public realm improvements in Hill road and the Beach, introducing a one-way system to allow wider pavements and segregated cycle facilities. Consultation continues in March.

Extending to the Nailsea and Yatton area, North Somerset is proposing a rural lanes network of cycle and pedestrian routes between Backwell, Clevedon, Nailsea and Yatton, while maintaining essential and farm accesses.

Weston-super-Mare would see the creation of a cycling corridor on Baker Street and Milton road, with a 20mph limit, one-way eastwards and a segregated cycling route over Hildesheim Bridge to the town centre. also up for discussion are several school schemes that offer safe cycling and walking routes to school for children and parents. North Somerset towns have

The proposed scheme for Clevedon

been awarded £473,750 from the government to introduce permanent routes for walking and cycling and socially-distanced environments.

Councillor James tonkin, the council’s executive member for planning, highways and transport, said: “Covid-19 has changed the way we live our lives.

Outdoor activities have increased significantly, including walking and

cycling, and we need to react accordingly. the suggested changes will allow visitors, residents and businesses the opportunity to continue enjoying North Somerset towns, but in a safe and secure manner.

“However, these are suggestions and we want to hear from the people of North Somerset so we can effectively meet the needs and wants of the community.”

For details, visit: https://www.n-somerset.gov.uk/activetravel

New guide to Somerset

Bradt Guides are known the world over for their finely detailed descriptions of exotic travel destinations. Now Somerset has its own Bradt guide, Slow Somerset, written

by Norm Longley, who lives in Chilcompton.

His previous books have covered Montenegro, romania, Slovenia, Wales and Scotland but he said: “It’s no exaggeration to say that after 20 years of writing and updating a multitude of different guidebooks, researching and writing Slow Somerset – a process that took around two years – was the one that gave me most pleasure.”

Originally from Yeovil, he lived in London and Cambridge before returning to Somerset in 2011. He now lives in Chilcompton with his wife Christian and two children.

One chapter is devoted to Wells and the Mendips. Norm said: “the Mendips were a particular revelation, not least because of the walks I was able to devise. One of these was a circular from Blackmoor reserve – a remarkable landscape that was once the beating heart of the local lead and silver mining industry – up to Black down, another part of the Mendips where history still looms large. “another surprising, but no less exciting, Mendip discovery was draycott Sleights, hitherto a place I’d never even heard of. a steeply sloping limestone scarp, this

Norm Longley

species-rich nature reserve is lovely walking territory, offering up a spectacular vista across to the Quantocks and Exmoor.”

Details: bradtguides.com or from dclongley@hotmail.com • Twitter: normlongley • Tel: 07814 032532

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 51

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MENDIP TIMES

Air ambulance needs support

GrEAT Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) were called to around five patients a day on average across 2020, despite the Covid-19 pandemic causing national lockdowns and restrictions throughout much of the year.

They were called to 1,726 patients, with 55 percent of their call-outs trauma-related, including over 300 road traffic collisions.

However, the most common incidents were people suffering life-threatening cardiac arrests – they responded to over 500 patients experiencing this medical emergency. despite the pandemic, they remained ready to respond, taking extra precautions and donning PPE in order to continue providing their vital service.

They also stepped up to support their NHS colleagues on the frontline during the first lockdown in April and May, assisting with intensive care inter-hospital transfers, which saw them assist another 34 critically ill patients, in order to help relieve the pressure on local healthcare services. despite this continued demand, a recent survey showed that 40% of people living in GWAAC’s region do not know that the service is charity-run, with only one in ten people recalling it as a charity.

It receives no day-to-day funding from either the NHS or the government and relies on charitable donations to raise over £4 million a year to remain operational and continue saving local lives. The pandemic has put a stop to many of its usual fundraising activities.

Chief executive, Anna Perry, said: “GWAAC’s Critical Care Team have been there throughout the pandemic, right on the frontline, doing whatever is needed to protect and care for the public. We all rely on them to be there for us, but as we go into another difficult year, we ask whether you will be there for them? “our charity relies on donations from people living in this region, so if you can donate yourself, recommend us for an award or a grant or leave us a gift in your will, please do not delay – we need your support this year more than ever.”

Details: www.gwaac.com/our-missions

Hospice challenge

ST MArGArET’S Hospice Care has launched a Your Year, Your Challenge, Your Hospice fundraising campaign, with a catalogue of online challenges.

From walking 21 miles, a flexible yoga challenge, giving up chocolate for a month or even the staircase mountain step challenge, it says there is something for everyone.

Each challenge is free to register, with supporters being asked to raise a minimum sponsorship of £21 for each challenge.

Marisa Lovell-Fox, head of fundraising partnerships said: “You can complete your challenge at a time, place and pace to suit your busy lifestyle and fitness level.”

Details: www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/2021isyouryear

PAGE 52 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

Centre hopes to reopen

WorLd Horse Welfare’s Glenda Spooner Farm, near Somerton, is hoping to reopen its visitor centre at Easter for the first time since last March.

Farm manager, Claire dickie, said: “We are fortunate to have been able to continue rescuing and rehoming throughout the pandemic and, like everyone, we hope for a return to a more normal way of life very soon." despite the pandemic, the charity rehomed a record number of horses last year from its four centres across the country.

Details: www.worldhorsewelfare.org

Helping the homeless

YMCA Brunel Group, which covers Bath, Bristol, Mendip and South Somerset, will come together with 11 other YMCAs across England to take part in a mammoth virtual Sleep Easy event on Friday, March 26th with the aim of raising awareness and vital funds to help tackle the root causes of homelessness.

Last year the group’s Sleep Easy took place at the foot of Wells Cathedral and raised over £7,500 to help it provide accommodation, advice and support.

This year’s event will be very different, because of Covid19 restrictions, which mean individuals and families will have to go solo, swapping the streets for bathtubs, sofas, garden tents or anywhere restrictions allow – other than a bed!

Mike Fairbeard, chief executive of YMCA Brunel Group, said: “As a year, 2020 was more difficult and heart-breaking than anyone could ever have anticipated; but one overwhelming positive that emerged, was the power of community and the difference that can make to people’s lives.

“We know from our own experience over the past 160 years that YMCA has been established in the area that without the support offered many more vulnerable people would find themselves homeless and dealing with the many challenges that brings; including facing less options and less chances of realising their potential.”

Details: www.ymca.org.uk/get-involved/events/sleep-easy

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CHARITIES

Tractor enthusiasts dig deep to help others

Flashback to 2020 – some of the charities who benefited from last year’s pre-pandemic event

orGANISErS of the annual Somerset Vintage and Classic Tractor Show have donated more than £10,000 to charity – even though Covid-19 prevented them from having an event this year.

Committee members nominated their favourite charities to benefit and were each given £1,500 to donate. dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and Time is Precious each received £3,000 (some

From pristine condition to those in need of some tlc – the show organisers welcome all exhibits

committee members are partners), whilst Great Western Air Ambulance, Cots for Tots and Hot rock Carnival Club were granted £1,500.

The two-day event at the royal Bath and West Showground attracts thousands of visitors to admire the displays of vehicles, with a different manufacturer showcased each year.

Tom Vailes, one of the team, said: “It

became clear last year that we would be unable to hold a show in 2021 but we have always supported various charities and felt it was important to carry on doing so. “over the years, we’ve managed to build up some reserves in the bank.

Everyone is struggling at present and we are delighted to be able to do a little bit to help.”

Lockdown hampers Channel swim preparations

SIAN Andrews, a children’s nanny from Long Ashton, is planning to swim the English Channel as part of a relay team to raise money for Aspire, a charity which helps people with spinal injuries.

But lockdown has hampered her preparations, with swimming pools shut and travel restrictions stopping her usual trips with friends to swim in the sea at Clevedon or in Henleaze Lake in Bristol.

Instead she’s been using a family’s ten-metre backyard pool for her training, saying: “It feels so much colder on your own, without the banter which takes your mind off it.”

She decided to support Aspire after watching a short video on their website about the channel swim. Her own father, who had been an army PT instructor, had severe problems later in life.

She said: “Tears starting rolling down my cheeks. I became very emotional, but couldn't understand why. I knew in that moment I wanted to aim for it, never believing I would actually pass the medical, and swim assessments.”

She says she’s in her 50s, only 156cm and overweight.

Having passed all of the tests so far, she now faces three more mandatory swims at dover to be accepted for the channel swim from July 11-16th.

Teams of six are expected to take up to 24 hours to make the crossing, with each member swimming for an hour in turn.

Sian said: “We hope to average 3kms an hour and I may

Sian (left) with a friend, Rachael Adorisio, at Clevedon last November

have to swim two or three times. This is such a worthwhile cause. How health can be impacted in an instant is what I learned from living through the New Zealand earthquakes. one minute you’re fine and dandy, the next . . . who knows?”

Details: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/sian-andrews15 • www.aspire.org.uk

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 53

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MENDIP TIMES

Second time is just as precious

MENdIP district Council has chosen Coleford-based Time is Precious to be their Charity of the Year for the second year in a row.

In 2020, staff raised £820, plus £121 in gift aid, for the cause. Since the March lockdown last year, many council staff have been working from home, posing significant fundraising challenges when compared to previous years.

A vote was taken to either continue supporting the current charity or nominate a new one for 2021. But Time Is Precious remained the firm favourite and will be the focus of fundraising at the council for a further 12 months.

Time is Precious was set up by Neil and Nicky Halford in memory of their son Ben who died from cancer in 2010. The charity aims to create a more comfortable and relaxed atmosphere for ill and disabled children and their families in hospital or at home.

Council chief executive, Stuart Brown, said: “despite Covid-19 restrictions, and with many working from home, staff were still able to band together and fundraise over £800 last year, which is frankly incredible.

“However, their resounding vote to back Time is Precious again for 2021, shows they feel there’s a lot more they can, and want, to do for this special, local charity.

“We know that many such organisations are struggling due to the prolonged pandemic. The work they do is vital and valued by communities, and they need our help.”

Last year’s funds will go towards a specialised MrI dVd player in Bristol Children’s Hospital to take patients’ minds off the procedure by watching their favourite film.

Nicky and Neil Halford said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be the chosen charity for the second year in a row.

“This year we intend to expand our ‘Ben’s Gift’ appeal, where we purchase equipment for disabled children in their home. Any funds raised by Mendip staff this year will be going towards that appeal.”

For details about Time is Precious, visit: https://timeisprecious.org/

Scout’s hospice gift

oNE of 1st Blagdon Scouts newest members has raised £427 for Children’s Hospice South West by making Christmas decorations.

Tommi, aged 11, said: “I chose this charity because it is local and has helped my friends’ families before. The charity helps poorly children’s families by giving them support and help.”

His efforts also earned him his Fundraising badge.

Scout leader, Andrew Barnes, said: “Tommi’s efforts are quite outstanding and he fully deserves our congratulations on what he has achieved.”

PAGE 54 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

New director for arts charity

CrEATIVITY Works, the arts and health charity based in radstock, has appointed Sarah James as its new director.

Sarah, who has been the director of the Arts development Company for the past three years, will start her new role on Monday, March 22nd. She will further develop the charity’s work as an Arts Council England funded National Portfolio organisation, and guide its work in the field of socially engaged arts.

Creativity Works runs high quality arts projects, increasing health and wellbeing for those living with mental health challenges, and from disadvantaged sectors of society.

Sarah trained in the arts and has held director and senior management roles in internationally and nationally significant charitable arts, cultural organisations and social enterprises for the last 13 years.

She said: “I’m so excited to take on the director role at Creativity Works – it’s a very well-respected organisation and will continue to play an essential role in Sarah has a wealth of experience in supporting and the arts improving people’s wellbeing post-Covid. I’m also looking forward to increasing and sustaining our support to artists right now and their key role in harnessing and celebrating everything that’s positive in our communities.”

Creativity Works trustee and chair Michael Whitcroft said: “We are thrilled that Sarah James will be joining us in March.

Sarah comes with huge experience of socially engaged artistic practice and will, I am sure, help steer Creativity Works into a new and expanded stage of the charity’s development.”

Creativity Works is commissioned by Virgin Care to run the Creative Links Support Service, which delivers a wide range of activities aimed at supporting wellbeing and mental health through creativity including creative writing, visual arts, journaling, and photography. All have been run online since the start of the pandemic last March.

Grants available

THE richard Jones Foundation, which provides grants for educational and training purposes, is inviting applications to be considered at its next meeting on Monday, April 26th.

The Jones Charitable Trust was started in 1692 by the Jones family, who lived in Stowey. richard Jones is buried in Chew Magna. His family held high positions locally and nationally.

The grants are available to people under 30 living in the parishes of Chew Magna, Newton St Loe, Stanton drew, Stanton Prior and Stowey Sutton.

Details: peter.h.godfrey@gmail.com

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CHARITIES

Support for struggling families

TrINA Anstey of Pensford was overwhelmed with the response after posting an appeal on Facebook for donations to the Bristol Baby Bank.

She said: “When I saw an email in work asking for baby bank donations I thought that the people of Pensford, Temple Cloud and Clutton would be able to help – how right I was!

“I was inundated with offers of help and had two cars full of donations, the back seats were full up in both cars too.

“I’m sure there will be many grateful young families on the receiving end of the donated goods. Amongst the donations were a cot, two mattresses, a swing, two Moses baskets, sterilisers, toys, clothes, books plus many other items that a new mum will need.”

The Baby Bank Network was set up in Bristol in June 2015 to help alleviate child poverty and support families at what might be a time of financial and emotional stress, whilst reducing waste and promoting re-use of items.

They receive referrals from health visitors, children’s

Mendip Challenge to go ahead

centres and other local professionals who work with vulnerable families. Their service is provided free and all donations go directly to the families that they support.

It initially operated out of a donated unit in St Philip’s, Bristol but soon outgrew the space, moving on to temporary premises in Southmead and finally settling in Fishponds at Stoke View Business Park.

Details: www.babybanknetwork.com

WESToN Hospicecare has confirmed the popular Mendip Challenge will take place on Sunday, June 6th and will feature 30, 20, ten and a brand new five-mile route along the West Mendip Way between Wells and Weston.

The last time it was held in 2019 the event raised £85,000 for the hospice with 1,200 people taking part.

Events and challenges manager, Grace dibden, said: “We’re delighted to announce our most popular event, The Mendip Challenge, is back with a bang! The charity has already arranged for measures such as social distancing on coaches, contactless registration and staggered start times for the five and ten-mile route.

“Participants will start and finish at Weston Cricket Club to ensure social distancing can take place on the coaches for the 20 and 30-mile routes.”

Details: http://bit.ly/MendipChallenge (https://www.westonhospicecare.org.uk/event/the-mendipchallenge/)

Advice goes online

THE charity, Families for Children, is continuing to run its adoption information sessions online via Zoom to give people considering adoption the chance to find out more.

The sessions will be held on Saturday, March 13th, 911am; Wednesday, April 21st, 9-11am.

Details: https://familiesforchildren.org.uk/book-onlineinformation-event/

Outdoor help for young people

MEMBErS of the rotary Club of Mendip are helping the SPACE charity, based in Cheddar, to create a community wellbeing garden in the Cheddar allotments.

The garden will provide opportunities for children, young people, and adults to mix socially, make friends and connect with others to improve their mental well-being.

A recent work party of rotarians and volunteers from the charity prepared raised beds in the allotment in preparation for planting later in the year. A trench was also dug to erect fencing around the project.

Ceri davies, president of the rotary Club of Mendip said: “We have chosen SPACE as this year’s charity. It supports local young people four 18 years who are suffering mental health issues, which have increased during the current pandemic.”

Details: thespacesomerset.org.uk

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 55

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MENDIP TIMES

Pandemic progress report

THE UK has made impressive advances not just in the creation, manufacture and roll-out of Covid vaccines (14 million and counting) but on finding drugs to treat established disease. The UK Recovery Trial found that the cheap steroid dexamethasone reduces risk of mortality by 20 percent for those on

By Dr PHIL oxygen and 35 percent for ventilated HAMMOND patients.

And the government-funded REMAP-CAP trial found that two drugs normally used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, tocilizumab and sarilumab, reduce the relative risk of death for patients entering intensive care by 24 percent.

Unpublished recovery trial results have just found a combination of dexamethasone and tocilizumab could reduce the mortality rate of some ITU patients by up to 50 percent.

We have improved our overall ITU management and ventilator use and developed early warning systems to spot Covid patients deteriorating outside ITU and at home. The use of pulseoximeters can spot patients with dangerously low oxygen saturation even when they appear to be well.

The NHS has made Vitamin D supplements free for those at high risk of Covid, in the hope of improving their general health and immunity.

Compliance with masks, hand-washing, social distancing, isolating, quarantining and lockdown rules has endured with the arrival of new variants and we have the most expensive test and trace system in the world.

The NHS Covid app had been downloaded 21,258,726 times

by January 5th – that’s 62 percent of over-16s with a compatible smartphone in England and Wales – and analysis suggests it may have prevented 600,000 further Covid infections.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has backed the Oxford vaccine, confirming it can be given to adults of all ages and supported the UK’s strategy recommending that the two doses should be given eight to 12 weeks apart for the best immune response.

And yet despite all this effort, cost, sacrifice and progress, we have been unable to stop 116,587 people dying from Covid (as of February 12th), nor the economic and educational carnage that has accompanied it. Might it not have been better to try to keep the virus out at our borders?

We are an island nation and that’s a huge advantage in a pandemic. Had we taken the tough decision to stop all nonessential international travel a year ago, and test and quarantine all “essential travellers” on arrival, we might be in a much better position now. It certainly worked well in Australia, where half my family live.

We would have needed to support the international travel and tourism industries and other businesses affected by border control, but we may have been able to keep UK schools, businesses, travel and holiday venues open. Pubs and sports venues could be at least half full.

Other, admittedly less crowded, islands managed this at the outset, but only now are we taking border control seriously.

Stable doors and horses spring to mind, but at least we have vaccines and better treatment for Covid, and hope for the future…

Dr Phil is author of Staying Alive, Medicine Balls and Sex, Sleep or Scrabble?

PAGE 56 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

Plop the Raindrop

SHE must have been one of the first bees of spring and she’s a very interesting person. I was sheltering in the pearly petals of a snowdrop when she called by. I’ll call her Betty the Bumblebee.

Betty had been hibernating in her nest all winter and had emerged with the first days of warm sunshine in early February, which was probably a mistake because it got freezing cold again soon after that.

After our day out together Betty went back to snuggle down in her nest – whilst I was turned into an icicle for a few days, which didn’t bother me. We water droplets are extremely adaptable.

But for that one nearly-spring day I enjoyed a wonderful outing, sitting just behind Betty’s huge hairy head, just in front of her four buzzing wings.

Betty was hunting for nectar in snowdrops, hellebores and primroses, some of the first flowers to appear after the cold of winter.

You probably have some of those flowers in your garden or your nearest park. See if you can find any; look for them when you go out.

Snowdrops look like lovely white pearls; hellebores like miniature umbrellas; and primroses like small, yellow suntraps.

Betty told me she had a pretty varied diet, depending on the time of year. After this first flush of flowers she said she would start looking for nectar in narcissi (most people call those daffodils), dandelions, wild garlic and bluebells, with rosemary if she could find any.

I found it quite remarkable that she could fly. Imagine sticking wings on a house brick and expecting it to manoeuvre so expertly into the hollow bowl of a tulip.

Betty could manage it very well, with the fierce buzzing of her wings echoing very loudly inside every flower she visited.

She said one of the highlights of her year are fruit trees.

She loves cherry blossom, apple, then plum, strawberries and all the rest. I told her she was doing a very important job, helping to fertilise virtually every plant on earth. Betty said that she doesn’t stray much further than Priddy, but I think she got my point.

Without the insects, how could flowers and blossom get pollinated and bear fruit? It’s one of the things human beans are concerned about with climate change.

Betty said the best time of year was the summer, when so many plants are in flower. Her favourites are borage and buddleja.

We rested for a while in the sunshine in a sea of snowdrops on a hillside looking across to Glastonbury Tor. What a wonderful view!

Then Betty left me there, saying she ought to get back underground before the warmth went out of the day.

I snuggled up in a blanket of white petals, thinking what a wonderful day it had been. There’s something very soothing about the gentle hum of a bumblebee.

See if you can hear one this spring.

MENDIP GRANDAD

HEALTH & FAMILY

Opening this April, Wells’ new luxury care home IT’S reassuring to know that your loved one is supported and well cared for, that’s why at Crandon Springs Care Home, our friendly team provides bespoke residential, dementia and respite care in beautiful surroundings.

Resident wellbeing is at the heart of what we do here at Crandon Springs – we offer a choice of delicious meals prepared by talented chefs, a café for socialising and enjoying freshly baked treats, spa bathrooms for a luxury bath time experience, stunning en-suite bedrooms with smart TVs, a choice of comfortable lounges, a cinema for an authentic movie experience and in-house hair and beauty salon for a little bit of pampering.

Barchester are a sector-leading provider of dementia care and we pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality of specialist care with dignity and respect for each individual. We’re committed to helping families by providing the best possible support for their loved one.

All staff receive dementia care training, developed by Barchester’s very own team of Dementia Care Specialists.

Crandon Springs has a dedicated Memory Lane community which is specially designed to provide the best physical environment to help our residents easily find their way around.

Our life-enrichment programmes allow for all residents to have access to a choice of activities. We also have some of the most advanced technological solutions to enhance engagement and support increased physical and social interactions.

The safety of residents and staff is one of our greatest

priorities. That’s why Barchester’s homes have rigorous infection control measures, which includes regular coronavirus testing of both residents and staff and we’re delighted our residents and staff have been prioritised to receive the Covid-19 vaccination.

We’re making our home as safe as possible and will ensure that all new residents, and staff are vaccinated before moving in or working in our home.

Barchester Healthcare is one of the UK’s largest care providers supporting older people living independent lives with dignity and respect. Providing a wide range of services for a variety of needs for 25 years, Barchester Healthcare support 11,000 residents across 200 homes for short breaks to long-term stays.

If you’re considering care options for yourself or a loved one, the expert team at Crandon Springs Care Home are here to support you. To book an in-person or virtual tour, please call 01749 302052 or visit www.barchester.com/CrandonSprings

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 57

(Photo courtesy of Acheson Construction)

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M

t

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MENDIP TIMES

HEALTH & FAMILY

COURT HOUSE

Ground Floor & Courtyard Rooms Currently Available

e Care Home with a difference. We offer all that you would expect from a high quality, family run Care Home set in a Georgian House in the lovely village of Cheddar, Somerset.

You can live your life to the full and choice is our favourite word. Rooms now available with full en-suite facilities and total personal care is offered.

Rated by the CQC as good in all areas

e Manager – Chris Dando • 01934 742131 • chriscourthouse@gmail.com Court House Retirement Home, Church Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3RA www.courthouseretirementhome.co.uk PAGE 58 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

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MOTORING

School Street scheme for part of Frome

tHree schools and two nurseries are at the centre of a proposed new traffic management scheme in Frome. the School Street scheme – backed by £117,000 from Somerset County Council – will see traffic restricted in favour of safe walking and cycling around Oakfield, trinity and Critchill schools. Avanti and Busy Bees Nursery should also benefit from the scheme. All residents who live in the School Street area will still be able to access their roads without restriction, as will school staff, buses and people with disabilities.

Frome town Council, which received the funding as part of the government’s emergency Active travel Fund, says it aims to deliver the project by March next year which provides plenty of time for consultations to develop a well-designed and considered plan. the School Street scheme was initially proposed last summer, supporting schools and the local community to tackle air pollution, poor health and road danger by encouraging healthier lifestyles and active travel, leading to a cleaner and safer environment for everyone. the proposed scheme in Frome is an area that limits (but will not prohibit) vehicle access and prioritises walking and cycling around.

Anne Hills, leader of the Frome town Council said: “We are delighted to receive the School Street funding which builds on our Active travel Challenge project. this investment into Frome to support the walking and cycling infrastructure will greatly improve some of the active travel safe routes to schools and enable us to fully incorporate the views and wishes of the community into the scheme at the same time.

“Ultimately this will lead to improved health and well-being in our youngsters who will benefit both from being able to actively travel safely but also from hugely improved air quality. this is a win/win for our entire community.”

The council welcomes comments on the proposals. For updates, visit: http://bit.ly/activetravelfrome

Roads clean-up

Mendip Times reduces travel costs

100,000 potential customers within a short distance of your business PAGE 60 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

Litter in hedgerows and verges on the busiest high-speed roads across Bath and North east Somerset is being tackled in a seven-week clean-up operation. Last year crews collected more than 188 bags of unnecessary waste weighing in at 3.5 tonnes, the equivalent of a light goods vehicle.

Councillor David Wood, joint cabinet member for Neighbourhood Services and Climate emergency, said: “the rubbish in our hedgerows and verges is completely unnecessary and is only there because of people’s carelessness.

“Most of it is fast-food packaging and items thrown from vehicles. Litter is not only an eyesore but damages the environment and wildlife too.

“Our clean-up operation is expensive, time consuming and dangerous for our crews and it’s frustrating that this time and money could be better spent on other essential services for residents.

“However, we want to keep our countryside looking beautiful, which is why we have dedicated funding to carry this out each year. We apologise for any inconvenience caused to drivers during the clean-up.”

Property section.qxp_Layout 1 17/02/2021 18:40 Page 74

PROPERTY

Property demand in Somerset and Dorset is higher than ever AT the end of last year, it was reported that house prices had seen the largest annual growth in six years. Experts concluded this was down to tax breaks, stamp duty allowances and changing demand due to Covid-19.

According to national estate agency figures, reported in The Sunday Telegraph at the end of 2020, last year saw a 90% increase in demand from house-hunters for country and rural town locations.

As we move further in to 2021, fears that house prices would fall off the edge of a cliff after the surge of last year, have been put to bed as the market sees continued demand for houses in popular areas of Somerset and Dorset.

Although Bruton was the most searched for town in Somerset (according to Rightmove, 2020) last year, evidence shows that perspective buyers are also searching for property to both buy and rent in surrounding areas of Wells, Glastonbury, Frome and Bruton – all of which have risen to fame as some of the “trendiest towns” in Somerset over the last decade.

Rental property owners who once relied on all-year round tourism trade and events such as Glastonbury Festival have had to rethink their strategy at least until the end of spring, as the UK remains in Lockdown #3. Thus, local property agents have seen a rise in short-term lets becoming available, meeting the demand for those in-between house sales and looking to “try the area before they buy.”

Whilst there is no denying the majority of demand comes

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Showroom currently closed to the public MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 61

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MENDIP TIMES

Wrapped up against the cold

As club members were unable to get together to celebrate Inner Wheel Day, they lit candles in their windows in a gesture of friendship

THe inner Wheel Club of Wrington Vale has begun its year of helping local good causes as it means to go on by collecting nine black bags of hats, gloves and scarves for the salvation army in Weston-super-Mare.

Club members also raised £500 for the organisation, which was the sum donated in lieu of sending each other Christmas cards.

Organisers of the axbridge Pageant, which had to be cancelled last year, are pressing ahead with plans to hold it in 2022. artistic director, John Bailey, said: “We are cautiously optimistic that the 2022 pageant will be able to take place as long as life looks to be returning to normal, more or less, by august of this year. “if it does then we can begin to plan meaningfully ahead, ramping up preparations for ticket sales, casting, costuming, construction, promotion and fundraising.”

The pageant involves a cast of hundreds telling the town’s history and has been staged every ten years since 1967.

The pageant is set to take place at 3pm daily over the Bank Holiday weekend of saturday-Monday august 27-29th, 2022.

(Photograph courtesy of Ben Fowler)

(Photograph courtesy of Jackie Fowler)

Pageant plans ahead

Mural project is making progress

anOTHer window has been completed by artist ruth ames-White as part of an ambitious project to create a six-metre diameter walkable mosaic map and illustrated history of the city of Wells.

Wells in Mosaic is a community project to install the piece of permanent art next to the Bishop’s Barn in the form of a map of the historic city centre, along with many artistic and informative features.

The latest window The centuries old Charter Fair is celebrates the city’s represented in the latest window Charter Fair, which dates from 1201, and is represented in the 54cm-high window by a “galloper”, symbolising a horse from a carousel ride. richard green, a member of Wells Civic society and an honorary member of the showmen's guild of great Britain, said: "speaking on behalf of the guild, we are very proud that the Wells Charter Fairs are being depicted in one of the many windows on this amazing project, for the events are an integral part of the living history of the city.”

The fundraising group supporting the project is currently discussing ways in which further money might be raised to ensure ruth’s work can continue until community events can resume post-pandemic. as well as making donations, members of the public and local businesses and organisations can sponsor one of the blue lias stones which will surround the mosaic when it is installed.

Richard Green with Wells town crier Len Sweales at a charter fair

PAGE 62 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

For details, visit: www.wellsinmosaic.org or www.facebook.com/wellsinmosaic

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COMMUNITY

Queen of the orchard?

On a cold winter’s day a green man slowly emerged from the swirling smoke of his huge bonfire. greeting his young wassail queen, he entered the clearing round the oldest apple tree in the orchard. no crowd, no music, no dancing allowed. But the Pearson family of Bishop sutton rose to the occasion and wassailed their apple trees alone this year.

They still dressed up to keep the ancient tradition alive and, of course, to ensure a good apple crop! as the smoke cleared the family sat around the roaring fire, drinking the remaining cider, remembering past years and planning for a much bigger event in January 2022. elsewhere other families have been wassailing fruit trees in their own back gardens, not wishing their children to miss the knowledge and practice of english folklore.

Colin Emmett recites the incantation

Maisey and Alistair Pearson

in Kilmersdon, Martin and Frances Horler also celebrated wassail time in their garden, with Martin in a smock and a crown upon his queen.

Lisa and Nancy Warbrick

Teddy and Immy Locells

Operation Easter Bunny

aT this time of year members of Cheddar Vale Lions Club are usually busy preparing for their annual senior citizens’ party, a popular springtime event.

But for the second year running, the party has had to be cancelled, due to Covid-19 restrictions. instead the Lions will be delivering a chocolate egg and a greeting card for each

Martin and Frances Horler

resident of local care/residential homes in time for the easter weekend.

They say it is a small gesture but one which they hope will bring a smile to a few faces. They look forward to the time when they can organise a party for the senior citizens and meet again.

MENDIP ENDIP TIMES IMES • A MUGUST ARCH 2021 2020 • PAGE 63

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MENDIP TIMES

Sue is “simply the best”

PUPiLs and staff at st Mary’s Church of england Primary school in Writhlington have helped sue Timperley celebrate 30 years of working there as a cleaner and midday supervisor.

The celebrations included a lunch where sue was the guest of honour and lunch was served to her (in a socially distanced way). staff at school bought her a Pandora gift, a rose named “simply the Best” and a magnolia tree to plant in the school grounds. additionally, she was presented with a “This is your Life” book and a card which all staff contributed to making.

The children in school created a banner to mark the occasion and those at home, through social media, were encouraged to send cards. The governing board gave Mrs Timperley a stunning bouquet of flowers and a

stand of delicious bespoke cakes to have with a well-earned cup of tea. in sue’s time at st Mary’s, she has seen the school grow from 70 to 170 pupils, the building of the school hall, the opening of the school nursery, creation of a sensory garden and conservation area and the final classrooms completed for Years 5 and 6 a few years ago. an emotional Mrs Timperley said: “i have loved working at st Mary’s, the children and staff at our school are very special. Thank you – i really wasn’t expecting anything.”

Headteacher, Cathie Lampert, said: “The staffing team at st Mary’s really is unique. This is a school where everyone supports each other and all are prepared to go above and beyond to nurture the children to achieve their goals.

“The fantastic length of time that

End of an era at talking newspaper

FrOMe Talking newspaper is saying farewell to gill Fone, who has volunteered with the organisation for the past 40 years. gill, aged 84, has been involved in many community groups in Frome including the tourist information centre, the civic society, the horticultural society and st John’s Church PCC. a retired midwife, gill and her late husband alan moved to Frome in 1977 and both joined the talking newspaper in 1981. alan passed away in 2019. gill stood down as chair of the talking newspaper in 2018 and will retire from the committee at the charity’s biannual general meeting in March.

Her daughter, Caroline amor, who lives in shepton Mallet, said: “Mum takes a keen interest in news and events in Frome and regularly attends and speaks at council meetings.

“Forty years ago, mum and dad became involved with the Frome Talking newspaper for the Blind and Partially sighted. Together they organised the recording, duplicating and distribution of tapes and later memory sticks to listeners in Frome and the surrounding villages.

“This really was a huge commitment, involving an awful lot of work and giving up all their Thursdays. Mum kept a list of the listeners’ birthdays so they always got a mention on the tape and during lockdown she has been ringing listeners to see how they are.”

PAGE 64 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

Socially-distanced celebrations at St Mary’s

Sue with some of her anniversary gifts

sue has worked at the school embodies the ethos and values which we all share.”

Gill Fone – standing down from the talking newspaper after 40 years

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Village builds a new war memorial The war memorial is often a focal point in many of our towns and villages, recording forever the lives of local people lost in war.

Long Ashton lacked a single central memorial, so a trust was formed to see what could be done.

Two years later a new memorial is about to be unveiled, as David Addis reports.

a War memorial is any physical object created, erected or installed to commemorate those involved in or affected by a war or conflict. generally war memorials are erected by local communities. each memorial is unique. it represents that community’s chosen method of remembrance whether it be a cenotaph, plaque or more utilitarian example such as a bus shelter or hospital or a village hall.

The names of those recorded on a memorial may only be remembered on that monument, making it important to preserve it to commemorate that individual’s sacrifice.

These memorials are important because they act as historical touchstones. They link the past to the present and enable people to remember and respect the sacrifice of those who died, fought, participated or were affected by conflict(s).

Memorials can be an important source of information for young people in understanding the sacrifices made by past generations. This will in turn ensure memorials are cared for in the future. Who is recorded varies with communities making their own decisions.

Memorials represent a focal point for remembrance, both individual and collective, particularly on occasions such as remembrance sunday or anniversary events. The sacrifices made by so many for our freedom needs to be remembered and war memorials play a vital role in ensuring that continues.

Long ashton did not have a war memorial listing all of the fallen of the parish. some are listed in the two parish churches, some on the former Congregational Church Memorial, now in the rBL meeting room at the community centre, some are listed on the lych gate and chancel rail at st Mary’s Leigh Woods, whilst others are on family graves and some on war graves overseas.

The lack of a complete war memorial was highlighted when the parish commemorated the signing of the armistice marking

Rewarding young achievers

aFTer a break last year because of Covid-19, the Pride of somerset Youth awards will go ahead this year. nominations are being invited in six categories: volunteering, charitable work, arts and culture, sport, overcoming adversity and enterprise. as in previous years the sandy Padgett award will be given to the young person who has undertaken an outstanding individual or community activity.

Past award winners have included english cricketer Jos Buttler, British gymnast Laura gallagher and record-breaking wheelchair athlete Jamie edwards.

The awards are run by the rotary Club of Taunton in

COMMUNITY

Artist's impression

the end of WWi at the drumhead service we held at Peel Park on november 11th, 2018 with our royal Marine guard of honour at the temporary plywood cenotaph there. a group was set up to investigate the possibility of erecting a complete war memorial in the parish with all the names of casualties known at this time.

Just two years later, we are almost ready to dedicate the replacement for the plywood mock-up, thanks to the generosity of the people of Long ashton parish and others.

Despite almost unsurmountable objects being strewn in our path, the Long ashton War Memorial Trust can announce that the concept of local retired architect alan atkins, “to provide a tasteful but modern war memorial” is nearing completion.

The war memorial will be located on the corner of Long ashton road and Theynes Croft, directly opposite the old school where a number of the fallen were educated.

The paved area, courtyard and retaining walls (constructed from stone rescued from the old village institute, later a WW2 arP HQ, and latterly the Long ashton branch of the royal British Legion) has been completed by local stonemason Paul Clark and his son Jak. The black granite panels, with the names of the fallen, which total over 100, will be installed in the next month or so, ready for the dedication and unveiling which is planned to be held on Monday, april 12th, 80 years to the day when the Mill Cottages, nos 39 & 40 Orchard Cottages were bombed in what became known as the good Friday raid, killing five of the inhabitants.

We do not know what we will be permitted to do in view of the lockdown and are sure that some form of open air remembrance type event will be permitted, as was the case of the ground breaking ceremony, held on the 80th anniversary of Battle of Britain Day, september 15th, 2020, for the last remembrance sunday.

conjunction with somerset Day and BBC somerset.

Covid restrictions permitting an awards evening is planned at Bridgwater and Taunton College on the evening of May 11th, somerset Day. Peter renshaw of the rotary Club of Taunton said: “There are some amazing stories of young people in somerset who have achieved great things. We want to hear about them and celebrate their achievements.” entries should be sent to somerset@bbc.co.uk, putting PosYa in the subject heading or posted to BBC somerset, Winchester House, Deane gate avenue, Taunton, Tai 2UH. The closing date is Friday, april 2nd.

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 65

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MENDIP TIMES

Boards celebrate town’s heritage

a COViD-delayed community project to illustrate radstock’s history has finally been completed.

Two heritage boards featuring 12 key locations in the town have been installed after a joint effort by radstock residents’ association, radstock Town Council and radstock Museum.

The boards feature old photographs and three-dimensional maps by local artist Jane randfield, based on some old walking maps which she had illustrated which were in the museum.

The residents’ association first raised the idea of the information boards in september 2018 and the council allocated money for them from their community infrastructure fund. Dr nick Hall, museum chairman, and Lucy Tudor, head of publicity, took on board the residents’ wishes and set about choosing key locations within the town that had a story to tell in local history.

One is sited in the Miner’s Memorial garden outside the museum and the other in the flower bed opposite radstock Town Council Hub, both on land maintained by the town council.

Lucy said: “Once we knew how many boards we had and what size they were to be, nick and i chose to feature the history of twelve locations in total, six on each board. We split

Nick Hall and Lucy Tudor in the Miners’ Memorial Garden

the 12 locations geographically: six on the northern half of the town would feature on the board in the Miner’s Memorial garden and the six on the southern side of the town would feature on the board opposite the hub; that way each point of interest would either be visible from standing by the board or be only a short walking distance away from it.

“For example, Victoria Hall is visible from the board opposite the hub, and snails Brook, outside swimming pool used by miners, is not visible, but is just a short walk from the board behind st nicholas’ Church.”

The museum hopes the boards will inspire people to visit when it re-opens this spring or summer. For details, visit: www.radstockmuseum.co.uk

Knitting together in the pandemic aTTenTiOn has turned to easter at the inner Wheel Club of Wrington Vale.

Confined to their homes, members have busied themselves knitting, from blankets for people with dementia to easter-

themed chicks. Two club members have knitted ten rabbits and more than 125 chicks then stuffed them with cream eggs, which have been delivered to Weston Hospicecare for a fundraising campaign.

One of the blankets – members have been knitting individual squares

An Easter surprise in aid of Weston Hospicecare

PAGE 66 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

Meanwhile, squares for the blankets have been flooding in while other members have knitted toys for sale by local charities. as well as seasonal items, several others have also been knitting hats, gloves and bootees for newborns in st Michael’s Hospital in Bristol and other local baby units.

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COMMUNITY

Quartet’s new leader

QUarTeT Community Foundation has appointed a new chief executive, suzanne rolt, who has led st george’s, Bristol as director and CeO since 2006. she joins at a time when Quartet is on course for another recordbreaking year of grantmaking in Bristol, B&nes, north somerset

and south gloucestershire.

Chair of trustees, sue Mountstevens, said: “Thanks to our committed supporters Quartet is in a strong position to help local charitable organisations take action throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

“With suzanne rolt’s leadership experience, philanthropy knowledge and energy we’ll be able to do more to help with the Covid response and recovery.” ronnie Brown, acting chief executive since sue Turner left, will continue as philanthropy director when suzanne joins the charity in april. Quartet’s endowment fund now stands at £54 million. suzanne said: “i’ve been privileged to have my dream job, running one of the country’s finest halls, meeting the world’s greatest musicians, and having the best seat in the house for thousands of brilliant and unforgettable concerts. “now i have an opportunity to direct my passion and experience towards leading Quartet, an organisation dedicated to improving people’s lives and bringing about positive change.”

Food collection

THe Happy Box in Chew stoke is currently collecting items for the Carpenters food bank in Withywood, Bristol.

The old red telephone box was converted at the end of last year, raising a smile with different themes, including support for the nHs. One of the organisers, Kate Tilling, said: “Hopefully this will add to the use of the phone box as a creative/happy/inspiring hub.

“People can donate any non-perishable food items, and also the food bank often need strong carrier bags so those can be donated too.”

Community kitchen is on the menu in Castle Cary

a grOUP of students in Castle Cary are spearheading a new venture to offer families in need a regular supply of ready meals.

They’ve launched FeD, a community kitchen which builds on the town’s popular Buy-it-Forward scheme in which shoppers at two independent businesses add an extra small amount to their bills to pay for food and essentials for other residents who might be struggling to make ends meet in the current climate.

The seven ansford academy students have been granted permission to use the school’s kitchen to prepare meals such as lasagne, pies and pasta sauces.

FeD was the brainchild of local food writer and mother ali ray who said: “The student volunteers are being mentored in cooking skills while also running the project like a small not-for-profit business, taking on roles from publicity to fundraising, design and project management – hopefully all useful stuff for later in life.”

The students all offer specific skills based on their interests, from website and graphic design to accountancy, and aim to produce around 100 meals to be distributed once a month via the Cary Cares support network. a Facebook page is up and running. george’s greengrocer & Fruiterer and Unwrapped essentials are the first Buy-it-Forward businesses in the town to help FeD, whilst Hadspen Quarry has funded the packaging for the meals. support has come also from Battens solicitors’ charitable fund and Castle Cary Town Council which has helped the students gain

Level Two and Level Three food and hygiene certificates. ali added: “We will post updates of recipes, which ingredients we are needing to raise donations for each month and perhaps even shouting out for an extra catering pan to borrow now and again. We hope other local food producers might get on board to help us too. so please spread the word.”

Ali Ray and greengrocer George Cronk (back) with students Maisy Unsworth, Beatrice Musson, George Manning, Beatrice Musson Darcy Musson and Kirsten Pike. The other students running FED are Megan Douglas and Eiri Mountjoy-Maron

For details, find FED on Facebook at: fed castlecary

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 67

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MENDIP TIMES

Litter patrol

UP to 25 litter-pickers are in action in Pensford and the surrounding areas and organisers say the village has never looked cleaner.

One of the volunteers, Dom Lowe, said: “For years we have organised litter-picking days once or twice a year to collect all the rubbish into 20 or 30 sacks but within weeks we would have to watch it start again then slowly accumulate until the next time. “in October a handful of us decided to try something more proactive and get out more regularly to clear the eyesore every week or two and stop it building up. The difference has been very noticeable and others have now asked if they can help.”

Pictured (l to r): Parish council chairman, Janette Stephenson, Simon King and Dom Lowe with Dave the dog

sOOn it will be possible to walk, run, scoot or ride from the centre of Frome to the end of Whatcombe Fields near spring gardens without the need for wellies!

Frome's Missing Links, which is campaigning to create a safe, traffic-free route from the town centre to the Colliers Way multiuser path near great elm, hopes to start laying a surface on the section from Welshmill as soon as lockdown restrictions are eased. The Colliers Way connects great elm to radstock on a traffic-free route, maintained by sustrans.

Plans are now in place to continue the route from Frome along the river before it turns towards selwood Manor and then passes through the wood leading up to the rail crossing.

Planning permission was granted in autumn and the group now has promises from aggregate industries and Connor Construction to supply and lay some of the Tarmac. This will make it possible for people with buggies, scooters, bikes and mobility scooters to enjoy this natural green space, as well as narrowing the gap between this end of the path and the start of the Colliers Way in great elm to just 2.5 km.

Volunteers from Frome's Missing Links worked through the summer to prepare the way for this extension. new hedges have been planted to screen the new route, a cattle grid has been laid

Cattle friendly: volunteers Bill Farr (in the hole), Tom Woollard (overalls) and Richard Ackroyd (wheelbarrow) installing a cattle grid along the route

and fences put in place. Frome's Missing Links is also campaigning to create multi-user paths to the south of Frome towards Longleat.

For details, contact mail@fromesmissinglinks.org.uk or visit: www.fromesmissinglinks.org.uk

Lockdown litter pickers

PAGE 68 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

TWO young sisters from Pensford have been spending some of their time during lockdown clearing the lanes of litter near their home.

Their mum, natalie stephens, said: “Lily, Daisy and i litter pick quite regularly on our walks and with the footfall at the moment there’s loads of rubbish and even some just thrown outside our house. “i set a challenge for them – 1p for every piece and this goes in to their piggy banks. They just love litter picking, but obviously i have to carefully monitor it as there’s all sorts thrown away. “it’s amazing what people just dump! in the bridle way near us i’ve reported three fly tipping incidents over the years! awful! We litter pick locally, from Belluton and up the bridleway to norton Malreward.”

(Photo courtesy of Geoff Pell)

Frome’s missing links – the campaign continues

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Love tokens

CHiLDren at Bishop sutton Pre-school and Forest Club made wooden love tokens for Valentine’s Day, which were given away with meals to raise funds at a takeaway curry evening.

Pre-school representative, Jennifer Pattison said: “They had a super time with the red paint and sticky fingers to make these little individual works of art.”

Lions rise to the challenge

CHeDDar Vale Lions Club’s project to supply iT equipment to local schools has turned into one of the biggest it has ever undertaken.

The week they launched, an ex-Lion, an iT technician, offered to set up the process of data-wiping and resetting the devices.

They then contacted the local Men’s shed, where a member was certified to PaT test all the items to ensure their electrical safety.

Their production line was set and they were then accepted on to the BBC’s Make a Difference website and offers of equipment started rolling in.

They then set up a network with other Lions clubs to collect the devices. By the middle of February they had managed to log and test 125.

The equipment has gone to Cheddar First school, Fairlands school, Kings of Wessex and Hugh sexeys and more requests are being received.

COMMUNITY

Mums hope for play area

Happier times – a fundraising street party in 2019

a grOUP of mums in Ubley hope they are close to starting work on a play area in the village, after fundraising since 2018. They have raised £7,000 so far and are now a registered charity.

Their aim is to create a community space bringing together the village’s older generations with the young.

One of the organisers, Jo Croot, said: “We are awaiting the outcome of a grant application at present, and if we are successful we will have the funds to commence Phase 1 of the work - ground works, rubber flooring, erection of a modest timber framed play castle and slide and benches.

“We are hoping that we can get this in place in the coming months as people really need outdoor space to go to right now. it would be wonderful to have it installed in time for summer.” in their latest fundraiser, Father Christmas visited Ubley in a sleigh on the back of a tractor, accompanied by six members of City of Bristol Brass Band. The event raised £300.

Details: ubleyplayarea@gmail.com https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-ubley-play-area

Lions Jan Clark and Sylvia Cook delivering a few of the items to Fairlands

Wyvern Coffee, a local company in Cheddar gorge, ran a raffle which raised £330 for the project. Lenny’s community café in shipham donated another £250.

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 69

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MENDIP TIMES

Tributes paid to conservation veteran

gLasTOnBUrY Town Council has led the tributes to former councillor John Brunsden MBe, who passed away at the end of January.

John, a retired vet, had been a national Trust glastonbury Tor warden, the president of the glastonbury Conservation society, a st John’s church bellringer and a Freeman of the town of John Brunsdon: 1929-2021 glastonbury. More recently, he was made an alderman of the town. His other interests included antique furniture, butterflies, local history, old buildings in glastonbury and his grandchildren.

John completed 44 years continuous service with glastonbury Town Council between 1975 and 2019. He was awarded the MBe for conservation services in glastonbury in november 2001, John received his award at Buckingham Palace presented by Prince Charles.

The town council said: “glastonbury Town Council continues to recognise the enormity of good work that John undertook on behalf of the town. it is with great sincerity that his work on restoring the footpaths in and around the town is to continue. a project to install way markers, interpretation boards and seating which John advised on until the end is to continue with delivery funding through the Town Deal Fund.”

Valley Arts survey

VaLLeY arts is launching a valley-wide survey to find out which events and activities people would like to see in their community.

Valley arts was set up in 2015 to make the performing arts more accessible, with the eventual aim of building a centre at Chew Valley school.

There’s also a chance to win some great prizes from local businesses! The survey, which is available online and in paper format, seeks to discover what the community needs after such a challenging year.

Be it an outdoor gig, a theatre performance, some creative writing or a salsa workshop, it says your views will help shape the future Valley arts programme.

Details: www.valleyartscentre.co.uk or contact info@valleyartscentre.co.uk

PAGE 70 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

Lockdown competition puts nature in focus

A frosty landscape taken by parent Alice Thomas

CHeW Magna Primary school has held its first ever family photography competition for both children and parents helping them to deal with the restrictions of lockdown. it also benefited the school by raising money, which will be put towards new art resources for all to enjoy once normal classes resume.

The competition gave another outlet for developing the children’s love of nature, with home learning forest school sessions giving them plenty of ideas for photos. naomi Crowne, Key stage 1 teacher, said: “We’re constantly trying to find creative ways to support and engage our school families during this really difficult time. With so many of their normal activities restricted, a countryside ramble, camera in hand, proved a winning combination for lots of our families.

“We were so impressed with the quality of the entries, that it was tough picking a winner! it gave the whole family the chance to get out and about (in a safe way), enjoy nature and get creative. it also proved to be a useful fundraiser for the school.”

The overall winner was Key stage 2 pupil, Charlotte, aged ten, with her landscape shot of a frosty hedgerow, which landed her the top prize of a Covid-safe family photo shoot with local photographer, natalie stephens.

Dylan, aged six, won the Key stage 1 with a photo of a frosty spider’s web. Parent, alice Thomas, won the adult age group with her picture of a frosty landscape.

A frosty hedgerow taken by ten year old pupil Charlotte

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Village project moves a step closer

THe project, called Project newton, to regenerate st Laurence Church in east Harptree and open it up for wider community use has reached a vital stage.

The scheme has planning permission and the go-ahead from the diocese and organisers hope to go out to tender shortly.

But it’s now launching an appeal for local donations to make sure its application to the Heritage Fund, worth as much as £290,000, is accepted. a letter to villagers says: “For the Heritage Fund to support our project they need to know that we have other financing in place and this is where your promised donations are vital for our success.”

Project newton is named after the Tudor monument of sir John newton in the church porch and involves the village school and other local organisations, as well as Bristol Museum, and is developing an outreach programme with an alternative education provider in south Bristol: Learning Partnership West.

The project will involve major works of repair and conservation to the tower, the bells, the wall paintings at the east end of the church, the roof of the chancel, the stained glass and the south porch.

Project newton also aims to significantly improve access to the church and churchyard and to create an exhibition area showing the history of the church and village.

Organisers say: “Coronavirus has affected us all, and some much more than others, and we hope that this project will enable our community to build something together for the future.”

Details and how to pledge support: https://eharptreechurch.co.uk

Stars support rugby walk

rUgBY legends Jeremy guscott and Dan Hipkiss are backing the Bath rugby Walk Challenge alongside over 100 Bath rugby fans to raise funds for Bath rugby Foundation and Dorothy House.

Participants can choose their very own rugby-themed distance walk over the six nations period, which runs until March 20th.

Jeremy guscott said: “We know it’s going to be different this year but i think by taking part and raising much needed monies for these two charities you’re all incredible. it’s going to be tough, we know that, there’s lots of challenges out there and i’d just like to say good luck. i hope it all goes well.”

Dorothy House chief executive, Wayne de Leeuw, said: “The care we provide at Dorothy House has never felt more vital or needed than at this time.

“Despite the impact of the pandemic, we are committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the support that they and their family need at the end of their lives and we need our community to raise funds to allow us to reach more of those who need us.”

Details: https://bath-rugby-walk-2021.eventbrite.co.uk or email events@dorothyhouse-hospice.org.uk

COMMUNITY

Phone mast objections

a MOBiLe phone mast is to be erected on the playing fields of Wells Cathedral school, despite widespread opposition, including a complaint from the school itself that it was not consulted on the plan. agents for Vodafone successfully appealed against an initial decision by Mendip District Council and Wells City Council to refuse permission.

Campaigner, Peter Welsh, said: “The playing fields would be blighted by a phone mast on site, as would the meadows and national Trust woodland in its vicinity.

“This is a sensitive area in terms of its school location, and the industrial lattice-style mast will reduce the joy and experience of all those who use the sports ground. “i spent a bitter sweet sunday morning today with my family and other residents enjoying the snowy meadow slopes a mere handful of yards from the proposed mast tower site wondering if this may be the last time Wells people of all ages can take their trays and sleds to an unspoiled natural resource.”

The phone company says the site was the best locally to provide its customers with 3g and 5g services. in a statement Wells Cathedral school said: “We are shocked that best practice has been ignored, that parents have not been given the opportunity to learn more about the proposal, and that we have not had the chance to address any concerns about siting a mast on school grounds. as it stands, this whole process feels undemocratic.”

The school is taking legal advice.

Citizen of the year

THere is still time to nominate someone for the title of glastonbury Citizen of the Year. glastonbury Town Council introduced the award a few years ago, recognising the work of an individual whom councillors consider has worked over and beyond for the benefit of their local community. nominations should be emailed to townclerk@glastonbury.gov.uk or posted to glastonbury Town Hall, Magdalene street, glastonbury Ba6 9eL by 5pm on Tuesday, March 9th.

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 71

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MENDIP TIMES

Another satisfied customer LAST November we told you about the beautiful Residence windows and doors that perfectly replicate 19th century designs. Recently they featured on a Channel 4 series you may have watched and you can see more by visiting www.residencecollection.co.uk At the end of last year we fitted Residence doors and windows for the McClives in Nailsea. We were thrilled at just how they enhanced their property and even more thrilled to receive this letter: “We wanted to say a proper thank you for the wonderful service and fantastic experience we have had as customers of Kingfisher. You have kept every promise and have made our house warm and cosy. We can't believe the transformation and now have windows to be proud of; elegant, beautifully crafted and

HOMES & INTERIORS

expertly finished, inside and out.

“We are so pleased with the Residence 9 product: the depth gives an element of luxury, the wood grain effect looks like real wood and the individual panes match the style and age of our home. The inside is as beautiful as the flush outside and we don't believe we would have achieved this with any other product. The double opening windows feel very high end and we couldn't be more pleased with our matching bespoke inward opening door.

“From the first time we met Angie we knew we were dealing with a different sort of company. She listened to exactly what we wanted, made valuable suggestions and her experience and patience allowed us to visualise our dream windows. Her thoughtful

advice was so appreciated and she was also able to be competitive on price. We have absolutely loved working with a small family-run business.

“Everybody involved with our project has been professional and efficient. The fitters arrived promptly every morning. The team worked around obstacles like having two children home, days of bad weather, new flooring to protect, limited access to certain rooms and having to wear masks at all times due to Covid-19. The clear plan of action and working strategically in zones minimised stress and disruption and allowed a room at a time to be readied.

“It honestly felt like getting our windows perfect was as important to the fitters as it was to us.”

TONY THURLING

All Showroom Visits by Appointment Only MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 73

Homes section.qxp_Layout 1 18/02/2021 14:31 Page 74

MENDIP TIMES

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PAGE 74 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

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Adding timeless elegance to your home WHETHER you’re planning to stay in your home for the foreseeable future or you’re hoping to work your way up the property ladder, window shutters can help to increase your property’s kerb appeal and give your home a timeless and classic appearance.

If you’ve ever admired a property in your area for its wellpolished and sophisticated exterior, there’s a good chance that it had interior window shutters installed. A smart front door, clean paintwork and a neat garden can all help to enhance a property’s appearance, but well-fitted window shutters give an instant touch of class and sophistication to any home.

Shutters not only give your home a clean and stylish look, but help you to maintain privacy and even insulate against the cold.

Unlike blinds, window shutters are highly versatile and allow split movement. Close the bottom shutters to deter prying eyes, while keeping the top level open to let the light flood in.

From classic bay window fits to French door coverings, and special shapes to fit unusual window designs, there is a shutter solution for any space and any room in your home.

If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your existing home, window shutters will make a design statement from the inside out, increasing your property’s kerb appeal

HOMES & INTERIORS

and giving you the added ‘wow factor’.

Available in a wide range of colours, shapes and styles, we have something to complement any room in your home. With so much choice it can be hard to know where to begin, and this is where your local Shuttercraft expert can help. Guiding you through your options, we work with you to find the ideal shutters solution for your home.

For a free consultation, call Simon on 01225 459 389, or visit www.shuttercraft.co.uk

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 75

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MENDIP TIMES

CAVING

The third dimension

THE first known photograph was made in 1826 by the Frenchman Joseph Nicephore Niépce. It was very crude, but inventors saw the possibilities of the process and began to develop better equipment and light-sensitive chemicals. By the end of the century portable cameras were being used to record all aspects With PHILIP of life and the world around us.

HENDY Early cavers also wished to show the wonders of the underworld to the general public and, despite the heavy cameras, some evocative pictures which have stood the test of time were produced. The photographic plates of the time were not very light-sensitive, so sturdy tripods were used to support the camera and long exposures were necessary, using various forms of lighting, or the explosive magnesium powder.

Any movement produced a blurred image, so when cavers were included in the photo, they had to remain absolutely still, which resulted in rather rigid, unnatural poses.

Stereoscopy was developed in America in 1849 and had reached Britain two years later. In 1851 stereo photographs were produced of sea cave entrances on the Gower peninsula and by 1859 true underground stereo photographs were being taken, in Mammoth Cave in the USA, and in a Swiss cave.

The first known British 3D pictures were taken in the Blue John Caverns, in Derbyshire. Two identical cameras were set horizontally a short distance apart and the films exposed simultaneously. The resulting prints were then mounted side-byside and viewed through an arrangement of lenses.

Many people can dispense with the apparatus. The “natural” displacement of the camera lenses is around seven centimetres, or the distance apart of the human eyes. Greater displacement results in exaggerated perspective. This can appear strange, although it is useful in interpreting 3D aerial photographs.

When we look at objects, each eye sees a slightly different view, which is apparent if we look at something and alternately close one eye, viewing the object with the other. When viewing a 3D image, moving the head slightly will produce the same effect – as we move, part of the background comes into view, while another part disappears behind the foreground.

It is clear that the best 3D photographs are of scenes with a good depth of field. So cave passages provide better subjects than chambers or flattish walls. The technique is not commonly used by cavers, although Maurice Hewins of the Wessex Cave Club has a large collection, mainly of Mendip caves. He used an Edina camera with two lenses, which puts the photographs on adjacent frames of the film.

Mounted on card, the resultant pictures can be seen using a

special viewer. It is possible to use a single camera, moving it horizontally slightly between shots. For the best results, the light source should be in a constant position, to avoid confusing shadows.

Using a digital camera, slight variations in the tilt of the camera can be rectified on a computer and the images can be viewed either on the computer or printed and seen through a viewer.

I am grateful to Michael Perryman of the South Wales Caving Club for the use of the photographs reproduced here. He suggests viewing them from 60 to 100 centimetres. If you normally wear glasses, do so. Aim to make your eyes converge (just looking beyond your nose), but while still focussing on the two images.

Try Withyhill Cave first – it may help to first concentrate on making the text fuse into a single image. Persistence pays! Once you have “locked on” to the stereoscopic image, you can look around the scene and enjoy the 3D effect. It should be easy then to view the other images.

Inventors always seek to improve their output and the fourth dimension beckoned. Stereoscopic cinematography was the next step and the first 3D film was produced in the USA in 1924. The US continued to pioneer the medium, resulting in the first largescale showing in New York in 1939.

Two projectors threw synchronised films onto a screen and the viewer wore spectacles with one green and one red lens to see the combined image. Many of us have watched 3D films at an Imax theatre; dispensing with coloured lenses and using polaroid lenses set at 90º to each other improves colour quality.

The most famous stereoscopic cave film to date is that made in Chauvet Cave, in the Ardeche, discovered in 1994. Its chambers are decorated with an amazingly large number of Upper Palaeolithic paintings, mainly of animals, but also with symbols, the meaning of which is shrouded in mystery.

They date back around 32,000 years. In 2010 Werner Herzog made a 3D film of the cave, which passes through the various chambers, bringing to life scenes where the viewer feels as though they are really there.

Although most of us are happy to look at two-dimensional cave photographs, when the opportunity arises, it is well worth the effort of screwing up one’s eyes and looking at the extra dimension. It is possible to appreciate the netherworld in a completely different way – and without the discomfort of actually being there.

Upper Flood Swallet

Withyhill Cave. Green Lake Chamber

Phil has been caving for more than 50 years and is a member of the Wessex Cave Club. He has been involved in producing several caving publications and until his retirement was a caving instructor at Cheddar. His main interest is digging for new caves

PAGE 76 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

(Photography by Michael Perryman)

Swildon’s Hole

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RIDING

Let it snow for a day With RACHEL THOMPSON MBE

By Tamora (who is secretly a unicorn)

The earth wept as grief and sadness grew The horse deep mirror of the human soul “Fierce Great Falcon sitting atop the pole Guardian of Magic Kingdom, what can we do?”

Great Falcon and Silver Unicorn spread their wings And flew fast for miles over a waning moon To the secret place where the Magic Fairy sings She gathered the stars all out of the sky Scattered them all over the land to lie Over hill and dale and bush and tree A sparkling fairyland of snow for all to see Out in the fields the horses snorted and danced Bucked and reared and rolled with glee Tails held high they side-stepped and pranced Whilst children shrieked tumbling off sleighs Tamora Unicorn, Great Falcon, Magic Fairy in tow Smiled as the hills rang with laughter and neighs Horses and children happily playing in snow

Turned out – a beautiful scene in Coleford

Badger and Chippy “snow dancing” near Shepton Mallet

Debbie catching the snow

Dylan the Dartmoor has a hair-raising kind of day

Gina dancing in the snow

The Reynolds family in Upper Vobster

MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021 • PAGE 77

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MENDIp TIMEs

chilling out on two wheels

aS we head into spring, I will be grateful for and looking forward to some warmer weather. the recent cold spell hasn’t stopped me cYcLING from cycling, but it has with EDMUND reduced the amount of LoDITE time I could stay out on the bike. the low temperatures create difficult conditions particularly when combined with a wind chill that can take the “real feel” to several degrees below zero.

On another one of those days, I head off this time towards the Mendip hills.

Because of the wintery conditions I decide to take my trek hybrid bike. It’s been a good bike to me over the years and reliable Illustration by sarah Maycock in wintery conditions.

Fairly soon I’m heading uphill on the Mendips. My speed drops at that moment, the uncomfortable extremes of hot and cold but the effort heats me up to the point where I start to think I’ve that I’ve experienced on this bike ride are forgotten and I reach put on too many layers. But it’s too late now – and in any case home healthier and happier! would I rather be too hot or too cold?

Looking to the future, exercise may still be restricted but I ponder that predicament as a welcome distraction until I reach hopefully as the vaccination programme rolls out things may the top of harptree hill and then the biting easterly wind kicks in. return to a new kind of normality. With that in mind it’s good to I take a sip of water but it is so cold that I leave the rest untouched see that there are a few cycling sportives appearing on the horizon. and wonder if it may start to freeze before I get home. and if you want to have at least one thing to look forward to While the views on top of the Mendip hills are magnificent, it this year – why not choose a cycling event to prepare for and take is so exposed that I head to a descent down the long and winding part in! road through torhole Bottom towards Chewton Mendip. Pedalling the “Mendip Murmuration” off-road event is planned for June downhill is keeping my lower half warm but now the speed of the 12th. the route cruises and carves over and around Cheddar descent has pushed the “feels like” effect on my upper body to Gorge, Crook Peak, Black Down and Rowberrow Warren. more than the expected minus 7 degrees. Now, I’m thinking I the “Mendips Lakes and Lumps Ride” road sportive is could do with some extra layers! scheduled for June 13th. Circling both Chew Valley and Blagdon at East harptree I decide to return home via a flat detour Lakes, the provisional route also takes in the classic climbs of through South Widcombe. this is a fine example of the many Cheddar Gorge and Burrington Combe. charming quiet lanes scattered across Somerset. I pass working “Mendips Classics” on July 11th offers a choice of distances farms, ponds, picturesque views and then just ahead of me a deer starting from Street. Combinations of the Somerset Levels, crosses the lane and open ground.

Mendip hills and Chew Valley Lake showcase the different landscapes across Mendip. and finally, the Great Weston Ride is scheduled for July 18th with optional route distances starting from Long ashton and finishing at the coast in Weston-super-Mare. this event is a Bath and North East Somerset Council has backed plans for brilliant fundraiser for charities and perfect for those new to taking a new clubhouse at Camerton and Peasedown St John part in sportive events.

Croquet Club. With a playing membership of more than 60, Please note, event dates are subject to change depending on the current clubhouse, measuring 4.5 square metres, had government restrictions in place at the time. become too small for the club’s needs.

New clubhouse

MARCH CROSSWORD SOLUTION

Across: 1. Impudently 6. Shed 9. tendu 10. Churchill 12. Calendar month 14. Flapjack 15. hutton 17. Laddie 19. Priedieu 21. Compton Martin 24. Nosedives 25. acrid 26. Ewer 27. Present day. DowN: 1. Iota 2. Panacea 3. Double-jointed 4. Nick-nack 5. Laura 7. hairnet 8. Delphinium 11. Commuter train 13. Off-licence 16. arkansas 18. Demesne 20. Ignored 22. Never 23. Eddy pAGE 78 • MENDIp TIMEs • MArch 2021

Festival’s feast of racing is on the horizon hORSERaCING fans are turning their attention to this year’s Cheltenham Festival in March and many eyes will be on decisions about potential runners being taken by champion trainer Paul Nicholls OBE at his Manor Farm Stables yard in Ditcheat.

Some horses are pencilled in for the four-day National hunt celebrations; the ink is already dry on others such as Politologue, who will defend his Queen Mother Champion Chase title.

February’s first wet, then cold weather has added to the debate at team Ditcheat but Paul said: “I'm happy with how things are going, it's business as usual with the horses. the weather has been a bit tricky of late causing abandonment of some race meetings but it hasn't affected the horses’ exercise and preparations at home.”

Like every yard, team Ditcheat has also faced the challenges of the pandemic. Paul added: “Everyone is working hard as usual, we're following the guidelines and taking all the

on the gallops on Ditcheat hill

heading back to the yard

necessary precautions to keep everyone safe.”

Covid restrictions have meant that amateur jockeys have been unable to compete as they are not classed as elite athletes. Unless circumstances change, a horse such as Sametegal will be ridden in the Foxhunters by a professional jockey rather than Ditcheat pupil assistant Natalie Parker. Paul added: “I don't think it will have a long-term impact but the sooner they can get back the better. If things continue the right way perhaps we could see them back riding in april/May.” the pandemic has also caused the cancellation of point-to-point meetings such as Blackmore and Sparkford Vale and Mendip Farmers. a long-standing supporter of the two fixtures, Paul said he remained optimistic for their future: “Ultimately some meetings around the country will suffer but our local area is a strong one so I think these will continue, but they certainly wouldn't want a second year like this.” l Cheltenham Festival takes place from

sporT

tuesday, March 16th to Friday, March 19th; a question mark remains over whether any viewing public will be allowed in.

Bryony Frost on Jeremy pass. Bryony rode Frodon to victory in the 2020 King George VI chase, becoming the first woman jockey to win the race

Galloping past the iconic folly on the hill MENDIp TIMEs • MArch 2021 • pAGE 79

(Photography courtesy of Chris Challis)

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MENDIP TIMES

Why not become an abbey supporter?

IT costs more than £3,000 a day to maintain Glastonbury Abbey and its grounds, so becoming a member is a great way to support the work – and enjoy some great benefits.

While the abbey awaits further guidance about future restrictions, the staff are working tirelessly to provide a safe, secure space for local visitors and members to enjoy in the meantime.

At this time, the inside spaces such as St. Patrick's Chapel, the 14th century Abbot's Kitchen and museum remain closed to visitors, but the 36 acres of

grounds are open and offer a spectacular space right in the centre of Glastonbury to exercise, relax, walk the dog or explore.

Membership benefits include free entry on the days the abbey is open, shop and cafe discounts, monthly digital magazine, discounted events for "plus" members and more. At less than £1 per week for an adult member, membership is great value.

Whilst visitor numbers have significantly dropped due to the spread of the virus, the Glastonbury Abbey team are doing all they can to continue to offer

a safe outdoor space for the general public to enjoy and look forward to the opportunity to host an array of events again as restrictions ease.

As an independent charity, Glastonbury Abbey relies almost entirely on visitor income to maintain and conserve the grounds and ruins for public benefit. In order to raise much needed funds, the Glastonbury Abbey Recovery Appeal was launched where members of the public can adopt an artefact from the abbey collection or make a one-time donation to the abbey.

For details of how you can support the abbey, visit: https://appeal.glastonburyabbey.com or to become a member, visit:www.glastonburyabbey.com.

Mendip folk tales – find them online The Mendip Storytelling Circle held its first Zoom meeting on January 26th, with the telling of stories in much the same format as when they meet in person in village halls around our area.

It was very successful, so they plan to do it again and again until they can meet for real, indoors or out.

Promoting art during the pandemic

FRoMe College’s art department is promoting the national arts project, the Great Big Arts exhibition, encouraging the country to turn their front windows into a gallery as part of a nationwide initiative to create a “magical patchwork of creativity”.

The college has invited the middle and first schools in Frome to join in hoping that students across Frome of all ages will take part and enjoy a bit of creativity at home during this challenging time.

The theme is Animals and participants can use the hashtag #thegreatbigartexhibition2021 when sharing on social media so that creations become part of the wider national project.

The college plans to feature as many images as possible in an online exhibition later in the spring.

Details: eknibbs@fromecollege.org

Page 80 • MenDiP TiMes • March 2021

The next Zoom telling will be on Tuesday, March 9th and on second Tuesdays after that. Watch out for details in Mendip Times.

If you're interested in joining just to listen to or tell folk tales etc then email Colin emmett mendipstorycircle@gmail.com to be sent joining links.

Praise for Bishop’s Palace

The Bishop’s Palace in Wells has scored an outstanding 93% in a recent assessment by Visit england as part of the national Visitor Attractions Quality Scheme.

The Visit england assessor said: “In summary, the Bishop's Palace has made best use of the opportunities of this year by seeking to understand its audience and its role for visitors over and above making money.

“It has redeployed resources and staff imaginatively and discovered new ways of doing things.”

Rosie Martin, chief executive of The Palace Trust, said: “It is an absolute delight for us to receive this rating as it reflects all the extremely hard work that the whole team has carried out in exceptionally challenging circumstances.”

WHAT’S ON

(Photograph courtesy of Jason Bryant)

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MENDIP TIMES

Winning song could be a springboard to success

AN 18-year-old singer/songwriter who lives near Wedmore has won first prize in her category in the prestigious UK Songwriting Contest.

Becca Brothwell wrote and recorded Paper Chapels in her room during lockdown last summer and entered it into the competition which attracted more than 9,000 entries from around the world.

The contest was launched in 2002 and is judged by an international panel of music industry experts.

Becca attended Sidcot School and is on a foundation art course at Weston College, with plans to attend university to study illustration. Becca had hoped to be performing gigs but the ongoing pandemic has put a halt to live music. She has since written several other songs in the same vein.

Becca’s father, Mark, said: “Becca has always been very musical. When she was much younger she was involved in musical theatre and started to perform. She was active at school in the choir and achieved an A level in drama.”

He added: “She’s played the guitar for a few years now. We’re quite a musical family. Her grandmother was a professional pianist and I’ve sung and played in bands as a hobby since I was a teenager.

“One day during the early days of lockdown she came down from her room and said: ‘I’ve written a song’. She played Paper Chapels to us and I have to admit to welling up. It was such a

MUSIC & THEATRE

Becca Brothwell. The prizes in the competition are designed to help winners further their musical careersTamsin Little

beautiful song, lovely melody and clever lyrics. We suggested that she did something with it and looked for a competition to enter.”

The UK Songwriting Contest is run in association with prestigious bodies including The BRIT Trust (of BRIT Awards fame), The BRIT Studio, The BRIT School, Music Aid, The Guild Of International Songwriters and Composers, Roland UK and top British producers and industry professionals.

To hear Becca’s winning song, visit: https://youtube/JDhocm64Z34

Debut EP for Somerset duo

LOCKDOWN rules and few commitments provided an ideal opportunity for Somerset acoustic duo Rileys Cove to focus on writing new music.

The debut EP – recorded in the heart of Somerset at BeeHive Studios when restrictions eased during the summer – has just been released. Rileys Cove features Chelle on vocals and Scottie, from Wedmore, on guitar. The pair came together to form Rileys Cove 13 months ago, both having met in the six-piece band Kindred that has enjoyed success over the last few years playing festivals.

Scottie said: “We’ve been able to use some of the emotions and experiences we’ve had in recent times and convert them into lyrics and music.”

The EP is called High and Chelle said the title track was one of her favourites: “For me, the song ‘High’ is a particularly relevant track right now. It’s about resilience, taking one day at a time, and keeping your ‘head high’ during difficult times.”

PAGE 82 • MENDIP TIMES • MARCH 2021

High is available to listen to now by streaming or downloading via Spotify/i-Tunes/Apple/Google play/YouTube

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